Arteta warns Arsenal transfer targets they can’t hesitate over joining Gunners with Willian, Partey and Umtiti linked
MIKEL ARTERA has warned Arsenal transfer targets that they can’t hesitate over joining the Gunners.
It comes with the club being linked with a host of players including Willian, Thomas Partey and Samuel Umtiti.
The Emirates boss doesn't want to work with any time wasters this summer and says he will be put off by players that need convincing on a North London switch.
The 38-year-old's transfer plans have reportedly been changing daily but one thing he is certain about is that he will only recruit players who have a burning desire to represent the Gunners badge.
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In an interview with Ian Wright on Adidas UK's Twitter account, he said: "Everybody wants to come here and we have a really clear idea of what we are.
"It doesn't need much convincing and if they do, for me it's not a good starting point. If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. To Arsenal? It holds me back a little bit.
"It has to be 'what do we have to do? I want to play for that club and represent exactly the values the style of play that I want'. That's the kind of emotion I want to hear at the start.
"The same with the players that are here. Once you finish what are the feelings you have towards the club? That's what really interests me."
Arsenal's already limited budget was further hit following the coronavirus pandemic meaning the club may have to sacrifice at least one of four players including Alexandre Lacazette - to splash in the summer.
And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks almost certain to leave with the Gunners ready to cash in on him following the killer virus.
An Emirates exodus will make way for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey - who has a £45million release clause in his contract which runs until 2023.
The Ghanaian has been made a priority target by Arteta this summer, with the Spaniard desperate on adding more defensive cover to his central midfield.
He made his mark in both legs of the Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool, which the Spanish side won 4-2 on aggregate.
And Partey reportedly told pals he's keen on a switch to the North London side - which will be music to the Arsenal boss' ears.
The Gunners are also eyeing a swoop for Blues star Willian, 31 - who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season after failing to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian is standing firm on landing a three-year deal at his next club to match his current £120,000-a-week salary.
Cash strapped Arsenal may be reluctant to tie themselves to such a long-term agreement for a player who will be 32 in August.
However, the winger's agent Kia Joorabchian has become an increasingly influential figure at the Emirates over the past year, pulling the strings on David Luiz and loanee Cedric Soares' deals.
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The Gunners were interested in landing Umtiti in the January transfer window but opted to sign Pablo Mari on a loan instead.
He joined the Nou Camp from Lyon four years ago and has since won the league-and-cup double in Spain twice but has fallen out of favour under boss Quique Setien.
And a number of knee injuries haven't helped his cause, leading to seven top flight appearances.
The Gunners were handed a boost with Barca reportedly struggling to flog the defender in Serie A and a Premier League move looking likely.
Wright’s interviews with Mikel Arteta and Joe Montemurro are part of the adidas #hometeam campaign, for more information visit the