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5 Players Arsenal Missed Out on at the Transfer Deadline
By Josh Sippie
![By Roger Gorączniak derivative work: Oleola (Polska - Węgry) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F0b8e9aa41d585c35486576a85a1b6591f7133a8d01c6aee3079586f30b2b3b9b.jpg "By Roger Gorączniak derivative work: Oleola (Polska - Węgry) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
4. Axel Witsel
In the search for a defensive midfield option to pair with Francis Coquelin, Axel Witsel’s name was never even linked. Aside from a few obscure connections, it appeared as though Wenger did not even know that Witsel existed. I find this strange.
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Witsel is a class act in the defensive part of the midfield and he has been an Arsenal supporter all of his life. Even aside from where his heart lies, Witsel is a bonafide bruiser.
With a physique that tops even Francis Coquelin, Axel Witsel is a domineering presence in the depth of the midfield. He is a disruptive player that consistently contributes interceptions, blocks and tackles to aide his side’s defenders. Le Coq may edge him out defensively but Witsel’s offensive contributions dwarf those of our Frenchman.
The price tag of Axel Witsel was said to be in the £25 million range. That is a bit pricey. But when considering what Arsenal would be getting and how much they did not spend, it would have been well worth it. Instead, Witsel stays in Russia.
Next: Number 3