via Reuters
Arsenal may have saved themselves millions by missing out on Malick Fofana, with a future left-wing solution emerging from their academy.
The Gunners were linked with a host of attacking players during the summer transfer window, but their only addition in the final third came through Christos Tzolis.
Arsenal were linked with a move to sign Fofana from Lyon before he completed a move to Sunderland during the window.
The likes of Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers were also targets for the North London club at various points, but they ended the window with just Tzolis arriving through the door.
Whether they live to regret that remains to be seen, but they do still have plenty of options in the final third.
The likes of Eberechi Eze are capable of playing on the left if needed. There's a good chance he may be, given that Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were sold.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks with assistant coach Gabriel Heinze
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks with assistant coach Gabriel Heinze
Despite Arsenal looking to spend significantly during the summer transfer window on a potential left winger, they could have their future sorted from their academy.
The Gunners recently announced that youngster James Scanlon has joined the club from Manchester United.
The 19-year-old managed to bag a goal on his debut against Brighton for Arsenal U21s, coming inside off the left wing to slot it into the bottom corner with his right foot.
There's no doubt that there's a slim chance Scanlon is going to be the solution on the left-hand side of attack for Arsenal right now, but there's no reason why he can't be in the future.
Arsenal could have saved themselves millions
REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Even though a player like Fofana, Vinicius, or Rogers would have massively benefited Arsenal in the short term and even the long term, it would have cost a lot of money for them to bring them in.
There is far from a guarantee that a player like Scanlon is going to reach those heights, but it's certainly worth taking the risks on cheaper options for the future.
The Gunners could easily save themselves millions and millions if Scanlon develops into a first-team player, and it's exactly what they will be hoping for after signing him from Manchester United.
Whether he makes an impact for Arsenal this season remains to be seen.