Arsenal clearly hoped to recruit an attacker capable of transforming the team this summer, provided the right player could be found.
Their failure to complete such a deal during this transfer window means they can reconsider their options in January or postpone the search until next summer.
Nevertheless, difficult questions will be raised about why no attacking reinforcement arrived, even though the club’s football executives are satisfied with their overall transfer activity.
Arteta, Berta and co-chair Josh Kroenke are likely to face scrutiny over how a successful and appealing club such as Arsenal failed to secure any of its preferred targets.
Even so, Arsenal still possess one of Europe’s strongest squads. Nine senior internationals were named among the substitutes for the victory against Aston Villa, including World Cup winners Merino and Zubimendi.
Gabriel Jesus has joined Barcelona in a £12.8m transfer. Although injuries and selection decisions prevented him from becoming a central figure at Arsenal, he registered six goals across 27 appearances in all competitions.
The departures of Martinelli and Trossard should create additional opportunities for Eberechi Eze on the left flank, where he previously excelled for Crystal Palace.
Eze operated from the left in several major fixtures during Arsenal’s previous campaign and again delivered a strong performance in that position during Monday’s win over Villa.
Kai Havertz was unavailable for significant periods last season, while Mikel Merino, who can also fill in as a striker, endured his own lengthy absence. Both players, however, have begun the new campaign in full fitness.
Those injury problems forced Gyokeres to carry the attacking responsibility for extended spells without adequate cover in his debut Arsenal season. Despite facing those challenging circumstances, doubts remain about whether the Sweden international is the right fit.
It is also notable that Gyokeres has yet to feature in either of the first two Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal remain among the leading early-season contenders and appear capable of retaining their title. However, criticism of their failure to add another forward will inevitably intensify if the team begins struggling to score.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
