Jamie Redknapp believes that whoever finishes in fourth place will receive a major boost in the transfer window ahead of next season.
Arsenal and Tottenham are currently battling it out for the final Champions League qualification spot, with Chelsea sitting comfortably in third place. The Gunners have the advantage in finishing fourth as Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit above their north London rivals in the league table.
Arsenal have not played in the elite European competition since 2017. But if they do qualify for the competition ahead of the next campaign, then Redknapp believes that the Gunners will benefit from a transfer perspective. “This is more than a top-four race, because it’s Tottenham and Arsenal. This means so much because next year trying to recruit, with top players coming through.” Redknapp said on Sky Sports Super Sunday.
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The Gunners have been linked to many players in recent weeks, with one of these being Victor Osimhen. According to Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Napoli striker would be happy to join Arsenal. But there is no definitive agreement yet because the Nigerian international wants to play in the Champions League next season, which backs up Redknapp’s point about the importance of a top-four finish to attract the best players.
Redknapp also touched on the importance of the north London derby that is set to take place on the May 12, as well as how it could impact the top-four race. He said: ”Chelsea will certainly get third. Between Arsenal and Spurs, it’ll all boil down to May 12th, that will be such a key game. It could go either way because Tottenham have got history of getting themselves into a situation and not finishing the job. It could go any way.
A great season for [Antonio] Conte if they get fourth, but if Arsenal finish about them it’s not quite so good. It’s all to play for and that North London Derby is going to be one of the biggest they’ve had for years.”
The Gunners have just four games left to secure a great season. Whether they can pip Tottenham to a Champions League spot remains to be seen, but it’d be a huge confidence booster for their young side heading into next season if they could.