Arsenal fans are a mixed bag over how they are feeling since missing out on the signing of Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners had been the first Premier League club to register interest in the Argentina international and had made a bid of around £25million. However, that was rejected with Ajax demanding nearly double that amount. Mikel Arteta pushed Edu into trying to bring in the defender this summer after making him a priority.
As well as being able to play centre-back, Martinez can operate at left-back and defensive midfield. His signing would have been a major coup for the Spaniard, who is desperate for some squad depth after missing out on the Champions League last season. However, it was not meant to be with Manchester United stealing in under their Premier League rivals.
Not only did they meet Ajax's price-tag more than Arsenal did - prising Martinez away from Amsterdam for £46m, which could rise by another £8.5m - they have the benefit of Ten Hag at the helm. The Dutchman knows the player well and was in charge when the 24-year-old was handed the club's player of the year award.
But how do Arsenal fans feel after missing out on the signing to a direct rival? It appears that many are disappointed that they did not win the race but are also happy they were not roped into an endless bidding war.
One fan wrote: "Guy has huge potential but getting Zinchenko for a better fee that is PL proven and can play multiple position at a top club that is still 25 will be a great coup."
Another said: "That's a ton for a "left sided center back"... new manager will come in with new system and have no specific role for him at all. United are clearly planning on going to a back 3. They have no choice with him and slow Maguire on backline."
And a third said: "I wanted Martinez when he was at most 30 mil. He would be a backup option at 2 positions. 54 mil+ is a ridiculous fee imo.
"I think we did a good job to pivot to Zinchenko, especially considering the coverage he brings in midfield. At this point it’s anyone’s guess though. Will be interested to see how Man U lineup this season. Seems like they will try a back 3."
This supporter wrote: "Honestly think we could've signed him for a decent fee but when United joined the race Ajax knew there was only one thing left to do."
While this fan said: "One element to this that I think is getting less attention than it deserves is that we've recalled Saliba, reducing the need to sign Martinez. Signing him would reduce Saliba to a much smaller role. I'd prefer giving Saliba minutes to adjust and develop instead of overpaying on a transfer like this."
Arsenal might have missed out on Martinez but it has not been a slow summer at all at the Emirates where they have brought in four players. Gabriel Jesus, Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira have all signed.
And they are not done yet with Oleksandr Zinchenko close to arriving from Manchester City while the likes of Youri Tielemans, Leroy Sane and Lucas Paqueta. It means that the summer has just begun at Arsenal where more transfers are planned.
