Arsenal were linked with many potential targets over the course of the recent summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta was able bolster his defence and midfield contingents with the purchases of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, respectively. Meanwhile, Neto arrived on loan to offer back up for David Raya between the sticks.
On top of that, Arsenal were clearly keen to strengthen their choices in the wide areas. Raheem Sterling ultimately arrived at the Emirates Stadium on loan from Chelsea of provide Arteta with another option on the flanks.
The decision to sign Sterling has backfired on Arsenal though, as the 30-year-old has failed to make any kind of meaningful impact in North London and is a shadow of the player that he once was.
Michael Olise lights up the Champions League
Arsenal were linked with Michael Olise in the summer, and have now been given even greater reason to regret missing out on the former Crystal Palace winger.
The 22-year-old ultimately joined Bayern Munich, and has hit new heights with the German giants.
Against Schalke in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, Olise provided a glimpse of his enormous quality as he bagged a sensational solo goal.
In the dying moments of the match, the Frenchman picked up the ball a long way from goal, and proceeded, in his trademark languid style, to waltz through the opposition defence. Olise glided through a clutch of players before sitting the goalkeeper down with a subtle dummy and rolling the ball into the back of the net.
He has now scored 9 goals and provided 7 assists in 21 appearances, across all competitons, for Bayern Munich since leaving the Premier League behind.
Should Arsenal have pushed harder to sign Olise?
Aside from Bukayo Saka, who has been as brilliant as ever, Arsenal’s wingers have struggled for consistency this season.
Sterling’s struggled have been noted, whilst Gabriel Martinelli was recently slammed by Arsenal fans for his showing against Fulham. On top of that, Leandro Trossard has been very hit and miss when called upon.
As a result of not signing Olise, or another player of his ilk and quality in the summer, Arteta’s side are now over-reliant on Saka. The decision not to push harder to bring another player who could ease the burden on the Hale End academy graduate now looks set to haunt the Gunners this season.
Olise just showed Arteta what he missed out on. The Spanish coach will now be desperate to see one of his wingers step up against Monaco in Arsenal’s own Champions League fixture on Wednesday evening.
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