2 positives & negatives from Arsenal's summer transfer window

Positive #2: Priority positions signed

Ahead of the transfer window, Arsenal were reported to be targeting a left back, midfielder, attacker and goalkeeper. The club attended to these matters and signed a player for each required position.

The Gunners brought in Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino on permanent deals, who are expected to play left-back and midfield, respectively. Edu Gaspar also sealed deadline-day loans for Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto and Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling. Young shot-stopper Tommy Setford was signed from Ajax and will likely operate as a third goalkeeper option.

Unlike previous transfer windows, Arsenal assessed what positions they needed and acted accordingly in the transfer market. Kudos must go to both Mikel Arteta and Edu for the roles they played in getting each of these moves across the line.

Negative #2: Deals could have been done earlier

Arsenal took their time to complete deals throughout the transfer window. The window opened on 14 June and the Gunners did not sign a first team player until 29 July, excluding the previously agreed permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford.

Transfer negotiations can be a long and difficult process but Arsenal could have tried to wrap up deals a tad bit earlier. This relates to both incomings and outgoings with several deals left to be completed on deadline day.

The club left signing a much-demanded attacker until the dying hours of the final day, confirming the signed of Raheem Sterling past midnight. Prior to this, many felt the Gunners had ignored the need for an attacker and completed all their business ahead of the deadline.

To prevent fan outcry, Arsenal could have completed deals for their priority positions earlier in the window. Nevertheless, the important thing is that each priority was attended to and the Gunners have a great squad following the closure of the window.

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