Despite it being an overly positive summer for Arsenal, there's likely to be a sense of frustration within the walls of London Colney after failing to bring in an extra body before Thursday's deadline. Mikel Arteta was just one player away from having the 22 outfield players that he desired but has instead been left one short.
The Gunners' plans are believed to have changed in the last 72 hours of the window following an injury to Mohamed Elneny. It was expected that a new winger would be Arteta and Edu's main focus, with Nicolas Pepe's loan departure opening the door for a replacement to be signed. However, when Elneny joined Thomas Partey in the treatment room, there became an urgent need to bolster a suddenly light midfield.
football.london understands efforts were made to bring Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz to the Emirates Stadium in the final hours of the window, but time ran out after three bids were knocked back. Arsenal also explored a deal for Palmeiras talent Danilo, though again, any hopes were shortlived with the Brazilian side reluctant to sell.
