Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is ‘going to back’ manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer window despite missing out on the Champions League, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Gunners narrowly missed out on a top-four finish after losing two of their final three Premier League games of the season but have still been linked with a host of top players since.

What is the latest news involving Arsenal?

Since Arteta succeeded former boss Unai Emery in the Emirates Stadium dugout back in December 2019, Arsenal have splashed out over £225 million to bring several players to the club.

The likes of Benjamin White, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey have all arrived in big-money deals, and although it’s been far from plain sailing, there has been some tangible progress.

During the Spaniard’s reign, Arsenal have won the FA Cup and the Community Shield and recorded their highest points tally and league finish since 2018/19.

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Arteta has also achieved this relative success while drastically lowering the average age of his first-team squad to the extent that he even had the youngest side in the Premier League this season.

That indicates that good things are still to come in the red half of north London, especially if he is provided with funds to spend once again over the summer.

What has O’Rourke said about Arteta?

Missing out on Europe’s elite cup competition will have been a blow for Arteta and Arsenal’s aspirations but O’Rourke still believes the club’s owners will give him room to manoeuvre in the window.

He told GiveMeSport: “It looks like the Kroenke’s are going to back Arteta in the transfer market despite missing out on the money that you get from the Champions League.

“I think Arsenal will be among the busier clubs in the transfer market as they try to improve the squad and close the gap on their rivals in the top four.”

Who could Arsenal sign?

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are set to step up their pursuit of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus after Arteta identified him as his top forward transfer target.

The Brazil international, who reportedly has a £55m price tag, only has one year remaining on his contract and is believed to be available following the arrival of Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph have claimed Arteta is pushing the club’s hierarchy to make a £25m opening bid for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans also only has 12 months remaining on his existing deal and is set to move away from the Foxes in order to take the next step in his promising career.