Arsenal's transfer window has been a rollercoaster from despair to excitement with the ride looking like it will finish on a high.
Unai Emery broke the club’s transfer record to sign Nicolas Pepe for £72m but he is another forward when everyone was screaming for him to buy defenders… and they still are!
But here’s the reasoning. Emery did not feel Arsenal were too far away last season (one point off the top four) and yet creativity was as much of a problem as defending.
Look at Arsenal’s stats - they were ruthless and their finishing was among the best (no surprise with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette) which probably means they actually need to create more. That explains Pepe.
Laurent Koscielny was a rude shock. With Rob Holding still on the way back, they are short in central defence. The late move for David Luiz was a major surprise.
Arsenal never used to deal with super agents under the old regime, now the new set-up are getting themselves themselves Luiz who pushed to leave Chelsea.
Shkodran Mustafi did not want to leave (most fans would be happy to drive him anywhere he wants) and left back is also a problem as Sead Kolasinac is weak defensively and Nacho Monreal is not getting any younger.
That explains why they have spent all summer chasing Kieran Tierney and he is set to sign after a medical.
But bearing in mind Arsenal did not have huge amounts to spend (Lille were happier to spread payments in a way that Crystal Palace would not for Wilfried Zaha) then the money men have been tough - and creative.
If they can get Tierney and Luiz in before the window shuts then it will have been a brilliant summer for Arsenal. If they get one of them in, the so-so. It might save them having to win 5-4 each week.
Possible incomings: Kieran Tierney (Celtic), David Luiz ( Chelsea ), Centre half (loan or bargain permanent)
Possible outgoings: Mesut Ozil (DC United), Eddie Nketiah (Bristol City or Leeds United on loan)
