Arsenal decided against pursuing a move for Bayern Munich star Mathys Tel in the January transfer window, with the forward joining rivals Tottenham instead.
The Gunners were in desperate need of a new option in the frontline, with several centre-forward and wide options pursued.
No one made the switch to the Emirates Stadium though, with Arsenal deciding against jeopardising their long-term plan for players who may not fit further down the line.
It all had to line up for Mikel Arteta, even though opportunities for Mathys Tel and Ollie Watkins arose in the market.
The former left many fans baffled though, with the North London club failing to get a deal over the line, allowing the 19-year-old to join rivals Tottenham instead.
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Why Arsenal didn’t sign Mathys Tel before Tottenham
Arsenal made contact for Tel in the January transfer window but didn’t seemingly pursue a deal any further.
The Frenchman joined Tottenham from Bayern Munich instead, with a loan deal that includes an option for a permanent transfer.
Just shortly after joining the Lilywhites, he proved his ability by opening his account for the club, scoring late in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal have truly missed out on a big talent, though the reasoning behind it is now clearer.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey of TBR Football spoke to Arsenal Insider about the decision not to pursue Tel, claiming: “The deal wasn’t right for them.
“They assessed the situation, he was a player they knew about, a player of interest but it has to be the right deal for them.
“Could they offer the player what he wanted? I’m not sure it’s 100 per cent clear but obviously there were of interest to him but it wasn’t a priority.”
It suggests that the deal could’ve been done under some circumstances, but Arsenal set their stance and didn’t look to waver from it.
Arsenal look to summer transfer window for forward signings
While Arsenal’s injury problems in the front line have caused a short-term problem for Mikel Arteta, the club are looking to the future at all times.
Any decisions made, whether that’s for the present day or the years ahead, are all intertwined and will play a key role in the Gunners keeping their status at the top or dropping off.
With such a key focus on keeping themselves at the very top, moving from a sustainable stance to sign players who may not fit isn’t ideal.
So, instead of pushing the boundaries, Arsenal trust the process and look at landing their top targets in the summer.
Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are among those at centre-forward, while Nico Williams is high on the list for wingers.
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