Arsenal's decision to not pursue Anthony Martial during the January transfer window already looks like the smart move.
Martial had fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United, who he joined for £54million back in 2015, according to Transfermarkt, and continued to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few months.
The Frenchman's old comments on the Gunners also suggested that he wouldn't turn down a move to Mikel Arteta's side, previously admitting that Thierry Henry was one of his heroes growing up.
“I always followed English football. Manchester United because Patrice Evra was there and he comes from the same town as me," he told United's official website in 2018.
"I followed Arsenal as Thierry Henry was there, also from Les Ulis. For my French heroes, I had Thierry Henry, of course, and then Zinedine Zidane, Zizou. They were the best. I admired strikers, No.10s.
“Another player who I really liked was Nicolas Anelka. He was a really great player, quick with loads of skill.”
However, the north Londoners have seemingly learned from their past mistakes and didn't make any rash decisions during the winter window, with their only acquisition American defender Austin Trusty - who will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan with MLS outfit Colorado Rapids.
Martial eventually joined La Liga side Sevilla on loan instead but the 26-year-old endured a nightmare debut for the six-time Europa League champions on Saturday night against Osasuna.
"Anthony has to give us much more," Sevilla boss Julien Lopetegui told reporters after the match.
"It was his first game and adaptation is not easy, he has played little this year and he has to get into dynamics and gain minutes and confidence."
