As is often the case when Andrea Berta is involved, Arsenal cast their net far and wide in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal's sporting director likes to enquire about a large number of players, exploring possibilities and eventually narrowing the shortlist down to the top targets.
The Gunners pursued a host of big-name players, particularly in attack, but certain deals proved too difficult to get done.
Here are some of those that Arsenal were interested in, and how they have done since either staying put or moving elsewhere...
Vinicius Jr
There was a genuine belief at Arsenal that they would be able to convince Vinicius Jr to make the move, before he ultimately opted to sign a new contract at Real Madrid.
The winger has scored just once in eight appearances so far this season and has struggled for form under Jose Mourinho.
In the defeat to Atletico Madrid just before the international break, Vinicius was subbed off inside ten minutes of the second half.
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal waited and waited for Julian Alvarez, hoping he would accept his dream transfer to Barcelona was not going to materialise and instead choose to return to the Premier League.
That came with the backdrop of Alvarez not training with his Atletico Madrid team-mates and being booed by the supporters.
The forward has started only one match this season, against Liverpool, and is yet to score.
Alvarez returned from a minor muscle injury to come off the bench against Real Madrid and was again loudly booed, despite Diego Simeone remonstrating with the Atletico fans.
Morgan Rogers
The sagas over Vinicius and Alvarez would not have materialised had Arsenal signed Morgan Rogers earlier in the summer as they intended.
It was Chelsea, instead, who completed a £117million move and Rogers has settled in well at Stamford Bridge.
Almost inevitably, he scored against Arsenal in the derby clash earlier this month, and he has three goals in five Premier League appearances.
Cristian Romero
Arsenal did hold interest in Cristian Romero before they moved for Ezri Konsa, even if Tottenham were never going to sanction a sale to the Gunners.
Romero has started Atletico Madrid's last three La Liga matches, a run in which they have picked up maximum points and conceded just one goal.
The Argentine has wasted little time in settling in. He clashed with Jude Bellingham during the Madrid derby and left Mourinho furious after he avoided a red card for a poor challenge.
Jeremy Monga
As part of the push to recruit some of the country's best young talent, Arsenal were very much in for Jeremy Monga.
A deal with Leicester for the 17-year-old was close to being finalised but Manchester City swooped in and secured the teenager.
Monga was sent straight out on loan to Swansea, though he has not made the squad for any of the five Championship matches since he joined.
