5 transfer targets Arsenal failed to sign this summer

#1 Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona)

He's staying: Dembele in action for Barcelona last weekend during their opener against Deportivo Alaves

Last but not least, Arsenal were heavily linked with a £100m deal to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembélé.

Initially, it was seen as a surprising rumour and one that would not catch fire, though the Frenchman did everything but pour cold water on the possibility he'd be playing his football in north London this season and beyond.

He struggled for France, despite their World Cup triumph, and was resigned to a limited role from the substitutes' bench by Didier Deschamps. This came after struggling during a difficult first campaign at Barca - where he suffered two lengthy muscular injuries and his progression was consequently hampered.

From posing in pictures with some Arsenal players at a dinner to keeping his options open, the 21-year-old kept everyone guessing right up until deadline day in England - where the Gunners were said to be negotiating a £10m loan with an option to buy next summer instead.

He eventually laughed off speculation surrounding his future, stressing attentions were focused on Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup clash with Sevilla - where the winger scored a well-taken winner late in the second half.

Perhaps if the club had pushed for a move earlier in the window and acted swiftly, he'd be an Arsenal player now and they would have a serious signal of their intent within their ranks.