REUTERS/Phil Noble
There were many around the Emirates who were disappointed with Arsenal's transfer business in the summer. Despite attempts to sign Vinicius Junior, Bradley Barcola, Morgan Rogers and others, the Gunners ended the window without the blockbuster attacker that they were seeking.
Even with their fresh Premier League crown in hand, those in north London still didn't spend like some of their rivals. Since then, though, it is the champions who have remained on top - winning four league games from four in impressive fashion.
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Every Arsenal signing 26/27 Nationality Previous Club Fee
Bruno Guimaraes Brazil Newcastle £75m
Ezri Konsa England Aston Villa £55m
Christos Tzolis Greece Club Brugge £35m
Piero Hincapie Ecuador Bayer Leverkusen £34.5m
Andria Bartishvili Georgia Kolkheti 1913 £3.9m
Illan Meslier France Leeds United Free
Failure in the summer doesn't mean the story ends there, either. With January to come, Arsenal are likely to re-enter the market in pursuit of the attacking star they wanted to sign a few months ago.
REUTERS/David Klein
It would be some sign if intent if the Gunners, whilst sat top of the Premier League again, splashed the cash in the winter window to strengthen even further.
Just who that big name is remains the big question. Early reports are indicating that Andrea Berta could be heading back to the Spanish capital.
Berta reignites Arsenal's Rodrygo interest
REUTERS/Stringer
As reported by TeamTalk, Berta is now constantly calling Rodrygo about a move to Arsenal in 2027.
The Brazilian is working hard to return from an ACL injury and is scheduled to make his comeback in the new year. As far as the Gunners are concerned, that would be perfectly timed for a huge January switch.
Rodrygo was high on Arsenal's list of targets before his injury and is set to re-emerge on their shortlist once he returns. Whether they will face the same tough negotiations that they faced when attempting to sign Vinicius Jr remains to be seen, however.
It may well come down to game time for the 25-year-old. Should he fail to win his place back under Jose Mourinho, then it wouldn't be absurd to suggest that the door could swing open for a move away.
At his best, Rodrygo would finally complete Arsenal's frontline. The winger's best form came in the 24/25 campaign, when he slipped under the radar with 14 goals and 11 assists.
A difficult season followed before an untimely ACL injury, but the signs are there that Arsenal would be welcoming one of the best attacking stars in Europe.
Rodyrgo is very much one to keep an eye on, especially if he returns to his best when he completes a long-awaited comeback from the sidelines in the new year.