Arsenal's business in the January transfer window was deemed a success.
Not only were the club able to make space on the wage bill by offloading Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi, and Sokratis, but they also strengthened with the signings of Martin Odegaard and Mat Ryan on loan.
However, there was one mission that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu weren't able to complete before the window closed.
Prior to deadline day, the Spaniard confirmed a new left-back to provide back-up for Kieran Tierney was a priority after letting Sead Kolasinac return to Schalke on loan for the remainder of the season.
"With the departure of Kola we’re a little bit short with a left footed full back at the moment," Arteta said in a press conference. "We can use Ainsley there, we can use Bukayo there, we can use Cedric who’s played in that position.
"We have some options.
"But a natural option to Kieran obviously we don’t, but we can adapt."
And despite links to the likes of Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt, no new left-back arrived at the Emirates Stadium and that has come back to haunt the Gunners.
Tierney picked up a knee injury against Liverpool a month ago and has been out of action since, meaning Granit Xhaka has been operating as a makeshift left-back in recent weeks.
The good news for Arsenal fans is that football.london understands that a natural left-back will almost certainly be signed this summer.
One name being tipped for a move to north London, according to the Daily Mail, is that of Derby County's Lee Buchanan who has enjoyed a breakthrough season with 18 Championship starts to his name.
Currently developing under Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United legend has told Edu exactly what he would want to hear about Arsenal's rumoured transfer target.
"He's a top, top player. I'd argue he's one of the best young left-backs in the country.
"And he can go to another level as well....no....he's a real top player."
