The beauty of Arsenal's transfer frustration and the one deal that is worth waiting for

Andrea Berta will likely face fan scrutiny if he fails to sign a new left-winger

When news first filtered through that Arsenal were launching a game-changing mega-money swoop for Vinicius Junior, the footballing world stood up and undoubtedly took notice.

It was always a long shot but the fact the Gunners were prepared to test the resolve of Real Madrid was somewhat uncharted territory for the Premier League champions.

While they were ultimately unsuccessful, it set the tone for an ambitious summer and laid down a market. It was a signal of intent.

Since then, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa have arrived. While both, two experienced 28-year-olds, have bolstered Mikel Arteta's spine, the club's failure - barring any drastic late bombshell - to land a top-class attacker, specifically a left-winger, will cause frustration.

For many years, it's been an area of the squad in need of a refresh. That's come this summer but with Gabriel Martinelli set to follow Leandro Trossard out the door and just Christos Tzolis in, there's an argument their options are weaker than last season.

READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Arsenal explore incomings and outgoings!

Arsenal are not ones to panic. They considered Malick Fofana but weren't willing to go all-out for the Belgian, who now looks set to join Crystal Palace. They were offered a handful of players in recent days such as Eintracht Frankfurt's Jean-Matteo Bahoya but never bit.

Instead, it seems as though there will be scope to reassess the landscape in January. If they still want to add to their squad in the winter, they will have the funds to facilitate that, even if it's a tough market mid-season.

It does still feel like Arsenal should have pounced when they had the chance to land Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in January 2025 and Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth this January. Both would have solved their left-wing issue for the long haul.

One particular player could be worth the wait though. That's Juventus' Kenan Yildiz. He is currently injured and Juve didn't want to entertain offers anyway after handing Yildiz a new deal back in February.

The Gunners' interest dates back to last year when his future in Turin was up in the air and the attacker, who can also operate as a No.10, is one that would lift the fanbase and get supporters off their seat.

At 21 there is so much room for growth and he's a profile that would genuinely improve the team's forward options.

(Image: (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images))

If the stars align further down the line, it's an opportunity Arsenal should grab with both hands. Equally, the beauty of Arsenal's quiet finish to the window is that new talents and targets will emerge.

There will be players across Europe and South America that will put their name in the shop window this season and that's something that should be embraced. This particular market has been difficult to operate in.

Yes there's an argument that Arsenal, as champions, have the pulling power to attract elite players but the club is conscious that they do not want to overspend. They wanted Morgan Rogers but weren't willing to go as high as Chelsea while the same applies to Bradley Barcola, who has joined Liverpool from PSG.

Arsenal were ready to throw the kitchen sink at Julian Alvarez but he didn't want to join. Further down the line, there will be a chance to throw huge cash at their desired target because the rest of the squad is in such a good place.

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Ryan Taylor is a London-based Football Reporter who has worked across Reach's National titles since 2018. After graduating from the University of Brighton with a Sports Journalism degree, he previously climbed the ranks of the Daily Express, where he also covered boxing, before joining the Sunday Mirror as a Football Reporter in 2023. Ryan has developed a strong track record for breaking news on the London football beat.

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