So here we are: it's a day upon which most Arsenal fans will be - rather begrudgingly - hoping for Manchester United to win a European trophy.
The fact is, Ruben Amorim's side will face the Gunners' bitter rivals Tottenham in Bilbao and plenty of Arsenal die-hards will be hoping the Red Devils are victorious at San Mames, even if it does mean a place for United in next season's Champions League.
The caveats will be thrown in: they've had a poor Premier League season so they probably will not do well in the league phase next year anyway. But qualifying would give United a big financial boost as well; and that's where things could get complicated for Arsenal fans.
United have been short on funds recently after years without Champions League qualification; lower income means less money to spend on transfers and wages, though it hasn't stopped United from splurging unsuccessfully in the last decade.
One of the big problem areas this season has been up front. Rasmus Hojlund just hasn't cut it, no matter what the qualifiers are about his age and inexperience at the top level. United have been linked with a move for Liam Delap this summer thanks to his rather low £30million release clause, as well as Wolves star Matheus Cunha with a transfer looking likely.
But if they do get into the Champions League, there's always the chance the increase in cash flow means they could reignite their interest in Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres. The striker has just finished lifting the league title in Portugal with Sporting CP, where United recruited current manager Amorim from. And they were already thought to be keen on signing the 26-year-old last season.
Arsenal know full well the need to have strength in depth when it comes to strikers after this season, and United will know they need more than just one capable striker on the books to compete at the top level. The Gunners would naturally prefer to avoid a transfer battle with United this summer, even if they can offer the prospect of joining a far more stable and ambitious team.
However, a win for Tottenham and that surely becomes elementary. United will be forced to go without any income from European competition, a huge blow to their finances. That in turn means less to spend on transfers and wages, and also fewer games in which to rotate players eager for games next season.
Would Arsenal still be confident of beating United to signing Gyokeres this summer even if United beat Spurs and secure Champions League football? Probably. But as dirty as it may feel, Spurs lifting a European trophy may just work in the Gunners' favour.
They probably shouldn't do the Poznan over it, though.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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