Arsenal's transfer window has been a rollercoaster from despair to excitement with the ride finishing somewhere in the middle.
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 a defender… 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. Sokratis and Calum Chambers look set to start the season.
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 want Kieran Tierney and they believe a deal for the Celtic left back is still possible. They also want a last minute bargain centre half. A loan or ageing player on lower fee have been discussed.
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 a centre half in before the window then it will have been a brilliant summer for Arsenal. If they get one of them in, the so-so. If they do not get another defender then they will have to win 5-4 each week.
Mind you, if they can offload Mesut Ozil (don’t forget they can still sell to other countries who can do business after the window shuts) then Emery will probably be really, really happy.
Possible incomings: Kieran Tierney (Celtic), David Luiz (Chelsea)
Possible outgoings: Mesut Ozil (DC United), Eddie Nketiah (Bristol City or Leeds United on loan)