Despite arguably having one of the best transfer window’s of all of the Premier League clubs, Arsenal threw in a late bid to sign Jonny Evans.
Having already signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan on what was essentially a free transfer, and offloading the disruptive Alexis Sanchez in the process, the Gunners went on to smash their transfer record to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.
Deadline Day was also bolstered by the news that Mesut Ozil is on the brink of signing a new mega money deal to keep him at the Emirates for three-and-a-half more years.
However, despite all of these wonderful attacking talents, Arsenal have never had a problem going forward, but it is at the other end where they desperately needed strengthening.
They have been linked with a move for West Brom’s Jonny Evans ever since last summer, but an offer seemingly didn’t come along. However, it is being reported that Arsene Wenger did however make a move for the Northern Irishman on Deadline Day – offering a paltry £12m for his services.
This despite all reports indicating that the Baggies’ asking price was in the region of £25m. What was also embarrassing for Arsenal, other than the value of the transfer offer, is that West Brom boss Alan Pardew told any potential suitors for Evans that the deal needed to be done weeks ago, allowing them plenty of time to source a replacement.
As it was, the Albion already had secured a deal to sign defender Ali Gabr on loan, but to place an offer on Deadline Day, especially at half of the asking price should be a bit of an embarrassment for the long serving French manager.
Manchester City were also interested in signing the former Manchester United defender, but they switched targets in the last week, agreeing to smash their club record to bring in Aymeric Laporte for £57m, who incidentally made his debut against the Baggies on Wednesday night.