ARSENAL head of football Raul Sanllehi admitted it is “not helpful” when trying to sign players without guarantee of Champions League competition.
But the Gunners chief insists players acknowledge Arsenal is a “nice place” to be and gains confidence from “the image” they represent.
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Emirates boss Unai Emery has been promised £40million to work with this summer window, but a win against Chelsea in the Europa League final next week could boost those funds.
With a place in the Champions League it is understood the Arsenal board will back Emery with greater funds to recruit fresh talent.
Sanllehi told the club website Arsenal “are in question marks” having not played in the Champions League for two seasons – but expects to be in Europe’s elite next campaign.
He said: “We are a reference in the football world, so when Arsenal knocks on the door of players it’s a different knock than other clubs.
“Of course, the fact that we have not been in the Champions League for two years and we are in question marks now for the next year, that’s not helpful.
“But again, the image of Arsenal is strong enough to help us build a case about all the model we are bringing up, the new era that we are bringing up. It’s very exciting.
“The passion of the coach that is projecting to the team, it’s seen by everybody in the football world.
“Of course being in the Champions League is very helpful, because all players want to play in the ultimate competition.
“For us, if by any chance we would not be there next year – which I don’t think is going to happen – but if that happened, our challenge would be to get in there immediately.
Players that come and join us and get into that successful project, it’s an exciting thing for them.”
