When reflecting on Arsenal’s transfer business last summer, it’s difficult not to be a little underwhelmed.
At the time, Raheem Sterling’s late arrival at Arsenal on Deadline Day provided a ton of excitement.
No one could be sure of what Sterling could bring to Arsenal on loan from Chelsea, but it was at least a captivating signing to follow.
Of course, once it became clear that Arsenal were getting the same version of Sterling that Chelsea wanted to offload, their summer transfers suddenly looked a lot different.
Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino are both excellent squad players, but the reality is that Arsenal failed to add any attacking excitement and they didn’t improve their starting eleven.
And whilst Edu Gaspar did so much right at Arsenal, his last transfer window at the club wasn’t one to remember.
Arsenal should have signed Michael Olise
Of course, when recalling who Mikel Arteta’s side were linked with in the summer, Arsenal were interested in Michael Olise at Crystal Palace according to reports.
Olise had just completed an outstanding season in south London and he was rightfully being looked at by elite clubs across Europe, and Arsenal were seemingly one.
Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
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Unfortunately, Olise ended up joining Bayern Munich for £50m instead of any move to north London, and it’s a moment that Arsenal should seriously regret.
As expected, Olise has been electric in Germany and he’s scored 14 goals and provided 18 assists in 47 games under Vincent Kompany.
Arsenal meanwhile have been struggling for creativity and a bit of x-factor in front of goal across the season — Arteta’s side have drawn 13 matches in the Premier League, games that could have been decided by a single moment.
And judging by his performances for Palace and now Bayern, Olise had the ability and character to be that guy for Arsenal.
Michael Olise could have thrived alongside Bukayo Saka
When considering why Edu or even Arteta might have decided against a move for Olise, perhaps it was because he predominantly thrives on the right-wing.
Bukayo Saka currently has that position looked down, but that shouldn’t have deterred Arsenal.
Olise has often played as an attacking midfielder this season in a number 10 role and he’s also capable of thriving on the left as well when needed.
In addition, after watching Martin Odegaard struggle for Arsenal recently, many are questioning whether Saka might actually have a future as a number 10 himself given his excellent skill-set.
And whichever way round you put it, Olise and Saka could have thrived in the same team.
There is also Ethan Nwaneri to consider, a youngster who Arsenal were keen to make a path for, part of the reason why the club sold Emile Smith Rowe.
But having all of Olise, Saka and Nwaneri to combine across attacking positions would have been a strength for Arsenal, not a problem.
Of course, this just further highlights why Arsenal need to get their spending right when it comes to beefing up their attack this summer.
And Andrea Berta needs to avoid a mistake at Arsenal already.