Arsenal have missed out on yet another priority target as the finances become the stumbling block to prevent the Gunners from signing the player they want. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu set out clear plans and principles with the market and in the case of Mykhaylo Mudryk, they felt the deal broke those borders they’ve set as a club.
Few cannot see how this strict approach to squad building and recruitment is helping to elevate Arsenal sustainably and successfully to the top of the footballing pyramid. Now eight points clear after the north London derby victory, the squad that has been built has been constructed both outside of the Champions League and within the policy of the club.
However, for some, missing out on Mudryk is a tough pill to swallow in the winter window of a season whereby Arsenal could win the Premier League. However, there is encouragement in what Edu has achieved with the recruitment team in reacting to being priced out or unable to secure the primary goals in the market.
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The earliest example is perhaps the chase of Emi Buendia of then Norwich City. The Gunners had followed the talent but after Aston Villa won the race to his signature, Martin Odegaard was acquired permanently and has gone on to be arguably the league’s best player in his position.
At centre-half, there was an interest in French international Jules Kounde of Sevilla. Barcelona though wanted the player and he eventually moved to Catalonia but the Gunners again pivoted and signed Ben White who has been brilliant both centrally and this season at right-back.
Emerson Royal was a name considered by the club but after Tottenham signed the Brazilian, Arsenal moved for Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japan international has been a great versatile servant during his short spell with the club already.
In goal, the club were after David Raya from Brentford but when the Bees asked for too much instead Edu and Arsenal secured the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United. Ramsdale was critical in the win over Spurs last weekend and elevated himself into the category of the top stoppers in the league in his near 18-month spell with the Gunners.
Last January the club pursued a potential move for Dusan Vlahovic. However, the Serbian had his heart set on a switch to Juventus and instead, the following summer, they signed Gabriel Jesus who, prior to his injury, has been a massive success at the club.
Lastly, Manchester United paid heavily over the odds to bring in Lisandro Martinez, a player who Arteta really wanted also. But in his absence, Edu worked again to agree on a deal with Manchester City for Oleksandr Zinchenko whose presence in the side has been transformative to the left flank.
Arsenal have proven time after time that they can manoeuvre in the market successfully under the guide of Edu, Mikel Arteta and the rest of the recruitment team.
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