Arsenal drew up a 20-plus-player shortlist to build on Premier League title

Arsenal entered the summer with the Premier League title, a long list of targets and a sense that the moment demanded an aggressive move in the transfer market. More than 20 players appeared on the shortlist, including targets at Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Yet when the window closed on Tuesday night, some supporters were left with a feeling of unfinished business. The summer brought clear successes, but also difficulties and frustration. Ahead of Sunday’s home game against Chelsea, BBC Sport reviewed whether Mikel Arteta, sporting director Andrea Berta and Kroenke Sports Entertainment had made enough of the club’s position as champions.

The headline deal was Bruno Guimaraes’ £75 million move from Newcastle United. Arsenal had monitored the midfielder before making him the main priority by mid-June. Elliot Anderson had attracted interest, but the England international was expected to join Manchester City. Sandro Tonali and Alex Scott were also considered, while Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana featured among the options. Tonali ultimately joined Tottenham for at least £92 million, and Onana suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup.

Guimaraes had strong internal support at Arsenal. Arteta wanted proven quality to improve his starting XI, rather than simply broaden the squad, while Berta’s relationship with the player’s representatives helped move negotiations forward. Newcastle said it had no direct contact from Arsenal until days before the transfer was completed.

Berta’s use of intermediaries produced mixed results elsewhere. Arsenal pursued Leicester City teenagers Jeremy Monga and Louis Page, but sources said the absence of direct club-to-club talks contributed to both deals failing. Monga eventually signed for Manchester City, despite appearing close to a move to the Emirates.