Three players Arsenal missed out on in the transfer window

One of the most astonishing facts of the transfer window, is that despite the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Romelu Lukaku, and Jadon Sancho all leaving, Arsenal were still the biggest spenders in Europe.

The Gunners concluded their transfer window with the £17m signing of Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna.

He was Mikel Arteta’s sixth summer signing with window after Ben White, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sami-Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, and Aaron Ramsdale.

However, despite an outlay of £150m, there were many other high-profile names Arsenal were not able to persuade – Shoot takes a look at three players who Arsenal missed out on during the summer.

Emerson Royal

The Brazilian reportedly snubbed the Gunners for Spurs

Emerson Royal has had one of the most peculiar transfer windows in recent living memory.

The Brazilian right-back was signed by re-Barcelona from Real Betis for £12m, but The Catalans financial crisis led to his being pushed back out of the Nou Camp faster than they came in.

Tottenham Hotspur the proceeded to sign the 22-year-old for £22m.

According to Sky Sports, Royal had the choice of moving to Arsenal or Spurs, and the Brazilian chose Nuno Espirito-Santo’s side over Arteta’s.

Houssem Aouar

Aouar was not able to navigate a move out of Lyon.

Another transfer rumour which was always in the conversation, but never materialised.

Aouar’s impressive performances for Lyon caught Arsenal’s eye, and a £25m move was frequently discussed between the two clubs.

However, French outlet Get Football News France, reported a loan move for Aouar to go to Arsenal was on the table, if a buy-back clause was inserted for the French club.

After many negotiations, the move did not suffice as Arsenal turned their attention to solidifying other areas.

James Maddison

Arsenal priced themselves out of a move for Maddison quickly.

The excitement of the Transfer Window went up another notch at the very beginning of August, and a potential move for James Maddison to join Arsenal was right at the top.

Arteta was determined to strengthen his creative areas, and according to Football.London, Arsenal sporting technical director Edu tried to open talks for a player plus cash move.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, the Foxes never entertained a player plus cash move, and would have considered selling if a fee of £60m was tabled.

Arsenal walked away from the discussions and opted to sign Martin Odegaard for a much cheaper £30m fee.