Going into the summer transfer window as Premier League champions, hope sprang eternal for Arsenal. An opportunity to capitalise, encouraged by a sense at Emirates Stadium that their competitors were in transition because of managerial instability. If ever there was a moment to strike in recruitment, this was it.
The plans were ambitious: a shortlist with more than 20 players on it. They were targets at Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, even at Chelsea and Tottenham. But as the window shut on Tuesday night, you could not escape the sense of unfulfillment - certainly from a section of supporters.
Arsenal's close season was one characterised by some unquestionable successes, but also riddled by difficulties and frustration. Ahead of their home match against Chelsea on Sunday, BBC Sport details Arsenal's transfer window and whether manager Mikel Arteta, sporting director Andrea Berta and, perhaps most pertinently, owners Kroenke Sports Entertainment can deem their summer operation a success. Bruno Guimaraes's £75m capture from Newcastle United was Arsenal's most eye-catching signing.
Heading into the summer, Arsenal were keeping abreast of Guimaraes' situation at Newcastle, although others were considered a higher priority. For instance, their interest in Elliot Anderson was widely reported, but it was clear the England international was joining Manchester City. Guimaraes' former Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali and Bournemouth's Alex Scott were also among the midfielders explored before a move for the South American accelerated.
At the ages of 26 and 23 respectively, Tonali and Scott are younger than Guimaraes, who turns 29 in November. But numerous factors, including availability and price - Tonali joined Spurs for a minimum £92m - made their signings difficult. Aston Villa's Amadou Onana was also among the options considered, but the Belgium international suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup.
By mid-June Guimaraes, who had universal backing inside the Emirates, emerged as the club's primary focus. Berta knew the player's camp well and Guimaraes was admired by Arteta, who had made it clear he wanted proven talent to take his starting XI - rather than the wider squad - to greater heights. Berta used his strong relationship with Guimaraes' representatives to facilitate Arsenal's move, hence why Newcastle maintained they had had no direct contact from the London club until days before his move was completed.
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