Arsenal could seriously hamper Manchester United summer’s plans by providing the Red Devils with a double blow. Firstly, by beating them to a place in the Champions League, which would go on to have a major knock-on effect on their summer plans.
According to the Daily Mail, failing to qualify for the Champions League could slash Manchester United’s summer transfer budget to as low as £20m. This would give Arsenal a major boost ahead of next season.
Both the Gunners and the Manchester side have been linked to players such as Darwin Nunez and Alexander Isak. But the north London side could blow their rivals out of the water financially in the summer if Manchester United are confined to a £20m budget.
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Both clubs are currently battling for fourth place in the Premier League which is the final spot for Champions League qualification. Arsenal currently hold the advantage going into the final stretch of the season, as they sit three points with a game in hand ahead of their vintage rivals.
According to the Telegraph, Manchester United are keen on signing £60m-rated striker Nunez from Benfica. This comes after Arsenal have also had reported interest in the Uruguayan forward.
According to Portuguese outlet Record Portugal, The Gunners have started a ‘charm offensive’ to convince Nunez to join the north London side in the summer. Having Champions League football as a token to offer would certainly go a long way in persuading the striker to join the club.
The 22-year-old has made a name for himself in the Champions League so far this season. If he wants to continue his impressive run in the competition then Arsenal can offer him that chance, which would also likely be at the expense of Manchester United.
The Uruguayan international has been excellent for Benfica in the Champions League this season. The 22-year-old has also shown that he can score at the elite level, as he has grabbed six goals in his side's Champions League run this campaign, where he played a major part in knocking out European powerhouse Barcelona from the group stage, and helping his team advance to the quarter-finals of the competition, where he also scored against Liverpool on two occasions.
His performance over two legs against Jurgen Klopp’s side made it clear that he is ready for a move to the Premier League. He was a constant threat in attack, and he would certainly suit Mikel Arteta’s system with his ability to link up play, but still provide a threat in behind the opposition defence.
If Arsenal can finish ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League this season then Arteta would have dealt a double for the Red Devils. Not only would it result in the Manchester side missing out on Champions League football, but they would also miss out on key transfer targets ahead of next season.
