It was yet another case of deja vu for Arsenal fans as they watched all others around them splash the cash until, as the anger towards manager Arsene Wenger reached breaking point, their side finally landed the deals everyone was calling for.

Despite the outrage the Gunners actually sealed one of their key deals earlier than many in the window, with Swiss midfielder, Granit Xhaka’s move finalised in May.

Then came the desperation, week upon week of Gooners fans clamouring for that marquee striker and defensive rock that was so clearly needed. The cries continued until the eve of Deadline Day, when Le Prof announced both striker, Lucas Perez and defender Shkodran Mustafi, from Deportivo and Valencia respectively.

Although The Emirates faithful were treated to the defender they asked so nicely for, the addition of Perez was not, perhaps, the marquee striker that was expected. As the window drew on the rumours surrounding the incomings to North London became more ridiculous, with the likes of Griezmann and Lewandowski both supposedly targeted.

With all that in mind, here is the sensational eleven that Arsenal could have had come the end of the summer window…

GK: Petr Cech

The former Chelsea man has bought a new-found confidence to the back line at The Emirates after a string of error-prone shot stoppers in between the sticks.

If the Gunners are to challenge this season, the former Czech Republic international will most certainly have to have a good season, and would make any dream XI for this season.

RB: Hector Bellerin

The Spanish full-back was rumoured to be on his way to Real Madrid early in the window, however the Gooners kept hold of their prodigy.

The former Barcelona youngster has made himself a fan favourite in North London, and could well provide superb support to the world stars further up the field in the dream XI.

CB: Shkodran Mustafi

This is not a case of if only, but they only went and got him! The German international looks to be the ideal addition to bring a new level of stability to a back four which has seem some nervy moments over the last few years.

The 24-year-old World Cup winner will go straight into any Gooners’ dream team, with many of them having suffered sleepless nights, desperately checking news feeds for news of a signing.

CB: Jose Fonte

Not the first name that would have sprung to the minds of Gunners fans as they scoured the market for a solution to their worsening defensive crisis.

However, the Euro 2016 champion could have bought years of experience in English football to Wenger’s back line, but after being linked with a switch to North London, as well as Manchester, the Saints captain was convinced to stay put on the South Coast.

LB: Ricardo Rodriguez

The Wolfsburg full-back was linked with moves to top clubs across Europe this summer, including Arsenal, and would have provided a superb outlet going forward, more than capable of providing an assist or two and even chipping in with a few goals most seasons.

The Swiss international is also quite canny over a dead ball, whether that be having a go at goal or swinging one in for that top striker that Wenger really should have bought in during the window.

CM: Ruben Neves

The Porto midfielder has made quite the impression at the Portuguese outfit, even claiming the title of youngest ever captain in Champions League history.

The Portugal international, who has been compared to Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, had been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Liverpool and could have added further steel in Wenger’s midfield, allowing those marquee dream team boys in front of him the freedom to do their worst.

CM: Granit Xhaka

It happened, Arsene Wenger only went and spent big money on a new player before anyone expected him to. Le Prof landed the deal for the Swiss international early on in the window which seemed to lead many a Gooner to believe that no real business had been done.

The former Borussia Monchendgladbach man has largely impressed upon his arrival to the Premier League, and at the age of 23 can provide a strong core to the Arsenal midfielder for years to come.

LW: Riyad Mahrez

If only, eh? One fan was so sure that the Algerian superstar was set for The Emirates that he took the bold move of getting the playmaker’s name and number emblazoned across the back of his new Arsenal strip, oh dear.

It looked at one point as if last season’s PFA Player of the Year had his heart set on a move away from the champions, however a pep talk and, we’d like to imagine, a fair helping of pizza from manager Claudio Ranieri, persuaded Mahrez to stay put.

AM: Messut Ozil

Where would ther Gunners be without the ‘Assist King’? More than likely fourth, as usual. However, the German international earned a place in the hearts of The Emirates faithful on the back of his selfless performances.

Holding onto key talent, such as the former Real Madrid man, was just as important for the Gunners as bringing in a top defender or goalscorer over the summer. But just who will Mr. Ozil be assisting in the dream XI?

RW: Antoine Griezmann

This rumour really came out of the blue, but what and addition the French magician would have been. Even having signed a new deal at Atletico Madrid the 25-year-old was still being mooted as a target for Premier League sides.

After lighting up the world stage at this summer’s European Championships, the attacking midfielder could have come to North London on the crest of a monumental wave, ready to take the Premier League by storm but, alas, it was not to be.

ST: Robert Lewandowski

Leading the line in the Gunners dream transfer XI is perhaps the most deadly finisher in Europe’s top five divisions. The Polish international was another linked to The Emirates as the desperation for a new man up top began to boil over.

With the current leading man, Olivier Giroud, having only bagged 16 league goals last season, the addition of the Bayern Munich man would have sent a real statement to the new managers in the Premier League that Wenger is here, and he still means business. But that lad from Deportivo is just as good, isn’t he?