Arsenal

Arsene Wenger: 'Arsenal may struggle to recruit following European setback'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 May 2018

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger concedes that the club may struggle to recruit players in the summer, but is confident that the current squad has enough quality.

Arsene Wenger has warned that Arsenal may have a problem persuading players to join the club once he leaves following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Thursday night's defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals blocked the Gunners' backdoor entry into UEFA's showpiece competition for next season.

Arsenal, who are unable to finish any higher than fifth in the Premier League, must now appoint a new manager to take them forward once Wenger officially steps aside later this month.

When asked if his replacement may struggle to bring in a big name during the transfer window, the Frenchman told Sky Sports News: "It is possible, yes. But I think we have enough quality inside the club.

"You always find one or two players who are always happy to join the club. I don't know how difficult it will be. I wish that the club will be successful in having a good transfer market.

"[Losing to Atletico] is a setback. We favoured the Europa League recently because it is a price we pay for the away form [in the Premier League]. It is not difficult to correct but our home form was very good. The club has to correct this next season."

The first of Wenger's final three league games takes place against Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.