In recent years, Arsenal have been incredibly successful in the transfer market, Edu and Mikel Arteta seem to enjoy a harmonious relationship that is really benefiting the club.
Some fans were worried about how quiet Arsenal had been in the transfer window shortly after the Euros this summer – the Gunners had still not really got going.
However, with the addition of a couple of clever loan deals on deadline day, Arsenal pulled it off.
Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino were the two flagship signings, two players who had just really impressed for their countries in Germany.
Both are still in the early stages of their careers in north London, but its hard to conclude that the duo won’t be a success.
Calafiori has adapted brilliantly at Arsenal, and Merino is ready to follow in his footsteps after recovering from his shoulder injury.
Joshua Zirkzee would have been a disaster signing for Arsenal this summer
That being said, the most talked about transfer in N5 this summer was the acquisition of a new centre-forward.
Arsenal were interested in signing Benjamin Sesko before their advances were rejected, for now.
READ MORE: Mikel Merino shares what ‘really caught his attention’ when choosing Arsenal this summer
That then led Arsenal towards a deal for Joshua Zirkzee, who had enjoyed a strong season alongside Calafiori at Bologna.
Zirkzee ended up signing for Manchester United instead, where he’s largely failed to succeed thus far.
The Dutchman scored on his debut at Old Trafford but then not since, meaning he’s now one for 10.
Frank de Boer tears into Joshua Zirkzee after Man United move
Zirkzee’s struggles need to be put into context – Erik ten Hag’s squad are underperforming all over right now, however, that didn’t stop former Dutch star Franke de Boer from tearing into Zirkzee’s move.
Speaking via Viaplay after United lost to Tottenham recently, De Boer said: “Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare. He was absolutely shocking. How many times does he make the wrong choices on the pitch?
“Okay, he did have one shot at goal and the keeper saved it. But all in all he was [a] champion in losing the ball.”
“During the warm-up before the game, I was watching him and he was shooting on goal – but he was blasting it anywhere but on target!
“Honestly, he did not hit the target once in the warm-up. That was terrible. When you are a good striker, you don’t have to blast every ball, you have to make sure your shots are in the corner. During the game Marcus Rashford tried to shoot like that. Zirkzee never did.”
Incredibly harsh words, but perhaps ones that some United fans will agree with thus far.
Either way, it seems as if Arsenal made a good decision vetoing a move, especially given Kai Havertz’s incredible goal scoring.
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