Kylian Mbappe could be playing for Real Madrid next season, but Los Blancos first must focus on the Champions League final on May 28.
Much of the damage from Arsenal’s catastrophic defeat at Newcastle on Monday night was instantly apparent, as players sunk to the St. James’ Park turf and first Granit Xhaka, then Mikel Arteta, issued scathing assessments. Last summer’s spree, when around £140m was spent on six players, was carried out with the aim of kickstarting Arteta’s rebuild, rather than qualifying for the Champions League. In challenging for the top four, the Gunners were ahead of schedule this term, and the feeling within the club is that playing Europa League football instead will not deter another window of significant investment and backing for Arteta, who signed a new long-term contract this month.
The 2022 Europa League final is set for Wednesday night but fans are already looking ahead to the Champions League.