Arsenal had a productive summer transfer window as they signed four first-team players, but this number could have been even higher.
Defender Riccardo Calafiori and midfielder Mikel Merino joined on permanent deals, whilst Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto joined on deadline-day loans.
Transfer expenditure was not as high as in the previous year, but the squad is stronger, with Calafiori settling in particularly quickly.
Arsenal could have added to their front line as several wingers and strikers were linked, but Mikel Arteta kept faith in Kai Havertz, who has started the season superbly.
Nevertheless, there were other players Arteta wanted in his attack before recruiting Sterling, but these transfers did not materialise, and he may be frustrated as three of his targets are now performing well elsewhere.
Viktor Gyokeres is thriving at Sporting CP after Arsenal transfer interest
Sporting Club de Portugal striker Viktor Gyokeres was a reported target for Arsenal after an outstanding campaign, in which he led his side to the Liga NOS title with an astonishing 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 games across all competitions.
The Portuguese side refused to negotiate for anything below his £86m release clause, but Arsenal did not push for a move.
Gyokeres has picked up where he left off, with 12 goals in 11 appearances, with the Sweden attacker also thriving in the Champions League.
If he continues this outstanding form, Arteta may have to consider a move for the striker in the future, but interest from other clubs could increase as well.
Benjamin Sesko developing well at RB Leipzig after rejecting Arsenal
Arsenal did want to sign an attacker, and were particularly keen on Slovakian centre-forward Benjamin Sesko.
Arteta was so keen on him that Arsenal were ready to pay his £55m release clause at RB Leipzig. All indications pointed towards Sesko moving to the Emirates Stadium, but he delivered a shock as he elected to stay at Leipzig.
Sesko was reportedly keen on remaining the first-choice option, which may not have been the case if competing with Havertz at Arsenal.
His decision has been justified, as Sesko is continuing to develop into a top-class striker, with six goals and three assists in nine games this season.
Raphinha has rediscovered his form at Barcelona after Arsenal links
Before Sterling arrived, Arsenal were linked with a lot of wingers, and were even offered Barcelona attackers Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
Raphinha endured a difficult season at Barcelona, and their interest in Nico Williams alongside the emergence of Lamine Yamal meant that the Brazilian could have moved on.
Arsenal tried to sign Raphinha before he moved to Camp Nou, and Arteta was linked with a move again, but they never made an offer, and he stayed at Barcelona.
New manager Hansi Flick has helped Raphinha explode into life, with six goals and six assists in 11 appearances, which included an excellent hattrick against Real Valladolid and a brace against Villarreal.
Raphinha is now loving life at Barcelona, and he appears to be out of reach for Arsenal, who perhaps missed their opportunity to sign him as an option on both wings.
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