'I gave them a hard time. They are fuming': Arteta and Arsenal unhappy with Dublin defeat

Calafiori also admitted Arsenal's growing pulling power reflects how far the Premier League champions have come.

DUBLIN DEFEAT: Mikel Arteta after the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Riccardo Calafiori believes Arsenal's pursuit of the world's best players underlines the club's status among Europe's elite as speculation continues to grow over the imminent arrival of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The Gunners are closing in on a deal for the Brazil international and have also been linked with a sensational move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, although manager Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn on either player following his side's 3-1 pre-season defeat by Real Betis in Dublin.