Most people associated with Arsenal feared the worst when Alexis Sanchez switched the Emirates for Old Trafford and signed for Manchester United.
The transfer bore the hallmarks of Robin van Persie's switch six years previous, which resulted in the ex-Arsenal striker winning a first Premier League title of his career with Manchester United the following season.
Pundits and former players spoke out in anticipation of Sanchez's impact at Old Trafford.
"Having a player of that quality added to our squad, with the great ability we've already got up front, this will be an absolutely fantastic deal for us to get such a quality player," gushed former United striker Dwight Yorke.
Danny Higginbotham, meanwhile, added: "He's that match-winner. I'm not comparing him to Eric Cantona but he's one of them that can turn possibly a drab 0-0 into a 1-0."
One man who wasn't so fast to pile praise on the transfer was Arsenal favourite Ian Wright.
Instead of predicting the Chilean would transform United back into title contenders, he suggested Arsenal were getting the better half of the deal.
Upon the transfer being completed, Wright simply said: "The way Sanchez is playing [this season], I can't see how it is going to hurt Arsenal."
A year on from the controversial transfer and it has become clear that the Gunners haven't been hurt by Sanchez's exit.
Unai Emery boasts a front three of Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe, and the Gunners look dangerous when going forward.
Manchester United on the other hand are looking to offload Sanchez, who has been nothing be a financial burden on them since he penned his contract.
The Chilean is on £500,000-a-week at Old Trafford and has finally flown out to Italy to complete a loan move to Inter Milan.
