Arsenal news: Julian Brandt set to ‘explore the market’ while Mikel Arteta accepts top-four punch

Arteta’s 12 month review

Mikel Arteta has spoken about the progress his Arsenal side have made over the past 12 months.

The Gunners finished last season in eighth place First League Table on 61 points, a score they can pass if faced west ham On Sunday. Arteta’s team also fought for it Champions League Qualifying this season after a record-breaking summer transfer window during which they spent around £150m on six signings.

And Arteta says there’s a “completely different environment” around the squad now, while on the pitch the execution, consistency and “the player’s understanding of what we want to do is much better”.

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Top four punch

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted Thomas Partey’s injury had an “undeniable” impact on his squad fighting for the final Champions League qualifying spot.

The Gunners have regained the advantage in the race for a top four place in the Premier League this season with bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur is just two points behind them in the standings. But Arsenal have had a turbulent few weeks after suffering defeats crystal palace, southampton and Brighton in April to give Spurs a chance to overtake them.

And Arteta has said it’s “not good” for his side if Partey is absent – because the Gunners’ win rate is so much higher when he’s on the side.

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Brandt “explores the market”

Arsenal could get an opportunity to finally sign midfield target Julian Brandt this summer.

Brandt was believed to be on Mikel Arteta’s list of January targets and reports from Germany suggest his club Borussia Dortmund are “no longer planning” to have him in their squad next season. The player is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, which he has reportedly made his “primary goal” this summer.

And that could give Arteta a chance to finally land his man – who could be available for around £16.5million.

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