It still gives me nightmares thinking back to the games played with Willian and David Luiz. Granted, the latter was pretty good at times but persistent errors in big games cost the Gunners and for that we needed to move on.
There was this idea that Arsenal was becoming something of a retirement home for Chelsea's older players. 'Chelsea rejects' was often the terminology used on social media and with Mikel Arteta moving away from the Blues to the light blue of Manchester City could the same mistake be made again?
In short, no. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Gabriel Jesus persistently in the early stages of the lead up to the opening of the transfer window.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus signs, Youri Tielemans deal - Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal transfer window
The Brazilian is almost certain to leave Pep Guardiola despite the great end-of-season form he has shown. Much in part due to the arrival of Erling Haaland this summer.
However, yesterday saw links to Oleksandr Zinchenko emerge. The Ukrainian international has been with Manchester City since 2016, arriving as an attacking midfielder.
This is a position he still plays for his national side when required. However, the vacancies at left-back have meant a considerable shift in style for the now 25-year-old.
Arteta has been on the lookout for a versatile player who can offer cover at left-back if need be. Nuno Tavares frustrated the Spaniard at times and was substituted twice before the second half started last season.
These moves for Jesus and Zinchenko should not spark concern in the mind of Arsenal supporters. Especially not when the reasoning is linking them to the idea of a return to the 'Chelsea rejects' style business of previous summers.
Both Jesus and Zinchenko would be brought in about to enter their best years in the game. Arsenal would be adding players fully acclimatised to playing in the Premier League as well as winning the biggest prize too.
The similarities to the Chelsea mistakes end almost immediately. The finances of both deals could prove to be the make or break, and City are reluctant to lose either and will demand a fair price.
Yet this process would be a continuation of Mikel Arteta’s determination to bring Arsenal into the Premier League market. It began with Willian and although this didn't work, moves for Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White have proven far more successful.
Considering these market tactics were already being deployed by their immediate big six rivals, had Arsenal continued to avoid the English market it only would have harmed their ambitions. These moves for City’s stars should only be viewed as a continuation of a progressive plan.
