Arsenal: Champions League needed for more than money

Arsenal can qualify for the Champions League in the Europa League final next week. But they need Europe’s elite competition for more than just money.

The Europa League final is next Wednesday. For Arsenal, it offers more than just a European trophy, although that prospect should not be overlooked in and of itself. The chance to reclaim Champions League status, the first time they will be in Europe’s elite competition in two years.

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The Champions League is the one competition that every club wants to be in and every player wants to be in. And it is also a great resource for clubs. There is great commercial advantage from being in the best and biggest club competition. But there is more allure to the Champions League than just money. The status it brings validifies the standing of the football club on the world stage.

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This week, Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi was speaking on the future transfer plans of the club. In doing so, he touched on the importance of being a Champions League club:

"“We have identified very clearly and very unanimously with Emery and our technical people, we know where we want to prioritise. We are already in the market talking with the people who can help us cover those positions and I feel quite strong, it’s going well. We need to go to where we belong and that’s the Champions League, and many players really want us to be there also when we are talking with them.”"

Sanllehi continued:

"“It [the Champions League] is something which comes into the conversations. Fortunately enough the image of Arsenal is strong enough. Of course the fact we have not been in the Champions League for two years and we’re in question mark now for next season, that’s not helpful.”"

While Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham, the managing director and the other half of the two-headed monster that is now leading the club forward, do touch on the benefits of being a Premier League club, speaking positively about the commercial advantage that that provides, the Champions League is where the real pedigree is earned, both financially and relationally.

Not only would it help the Gunners attract better quality players, for instance, but it might also provide present stars to stay put. I am sure Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, players used to competing in the Champions League, do not want to be playing on Thursday nights for much longer.

Champions League qualification is integral to the progression of the club in almost every way. There is the obvious injection of cash, which certainly helps, but there are so many other ways as well: the standing in global football, the attraction in the transfer market and in retaining players, the joy of playing in the best club competition in the world. The Champions League is where it’s at, as Sanllehi alludes to — his PR speak doesn’t quite allow him to say it as bluntly as that.

The pressure, then, is firmly on Unai Emery and Arsenal to achieve qualification. They must do so by beating Chelsea in a week’s time. There is a whole lot riding on this game.