Edu forced to consider alternative Arsenal transfer targets as £63m star suffers injury setback

Following a major £150m spending spree last year, Arsenal find themselves reaping the benefits as they continue to push for Champions League qualification between now and the end of the season.

With all six of Mikel Arteta's recent additions playing a major role in the progress seen so far, owner Stan Kroenke has backed plans for another significant outlay this summer, understands.

A number of targets will have already been lined up by the recruitment team and while certain moves may be dependent on which type of European football is secured, the club's pull to convince the best players to join still remains intact.

"Historically this club has always been targeting the best players in the world and they were always interested to come here," Arteta said in January.

"I can say that hasn’t changed. Every time I've spoken to a player they were so willing to come. That’s a big advantage for us."

These quotes along with ambitious transfer plans and the potential return of UEFA Champions League football at the Emirates are understandably raising excitement levels at the Emirates.

Reports linking Arsenal with moves for the likes of Serge Gnabry, Fabian Ruiz and Youri Tielemans have only served to increase that anticipation ahead of the summer window.

However, one apparent long-term target that is unlikely to join in the near future is Bayer Leverkusen's, Florian Wirtz.

The 18-year old, who is viewed as one of the hottest prospects in football, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Lukas Podolski's former side FC Koln.

Leverkusen's update on the injury added that the player is expected to be out of action for 'several months'. A deal for the player would have been contingent on