After a January transfer window which saw Arsenal ship out 12 players - including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - few could argue they are now a stronger squad.
Mikel Arteta was heavily backed in the summer, but any progression made in pre-season is now at risk of being lost in the final months of the season.
It was a frustrating month with a deeply disappointing crescendo as target after target failed to sign on the dotted line.
