A transfer window to remember for the Gunners By; Anayo Anslem Onyeka

    A transfer window to remember for the Gunners

By; Anayo Anslem Onyeka

Waking up on a Friday Morning after the eve of the transfer window closure in England. The news of arsenal having one of the best transfer seasons of the Emirate era isn't something not wanting to talk about. The nature in which the season ended after a thumping 4-1 loss to Chelsea in the Europa league final, coupled with missing out on the top 4 meant we were subjected to yet another season of Europa league football. If the rumor of us having a slim budjet of £45m to work with wasn't demoralizing, the slow nature of how the transfer business kick started was a sign not to expect much.

It all started with the appointment of former invisible, Edu as the new technical director. Working along side the Manager, Unai Emery and promoted Raul Sanllehi as head of football.

O Raul, little did we know what he had up his sleeves. For the first time ever, all key areas needing for reinforcements were addressed. Even a blind man knew how much arsenal needed an outright winger. Iwobi and Mkhitaryan failed in the position, with the latter moving for £40m to Everton and boom!!! We signed Pepe.. The signing came out of the blues considering the fact we had little budget to work with but Raul and his team found a way of spreading the €72m fee across 4years. With 22 goals and 11 assists from his breakout season with Lille, we all can't wait for the telepathic combination with Aubameyang and Lacazette. The Pepe deal preceded the Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba who both came in for £6m and £27m respectively also spread across using the same scheme. Both are prospects for the future with Saliba being loaned back to Saint Etienne to continue his development. The fleet footed Dani Ceballos who came in on loan from Real Madrid to fill the void left by Ramsey, who left for Juventus on a free loan at the end of the season. Dani has been impressive from the games he played in preseason, winning the hearts of arsenal fans. O how he reminds me of Santi Carzola.

As the window drew to a close, I taught it was going to remain the same. We failing to strengthen our Achilles hill for years, the defense. Having conceded a whooping 51 goals in the EPL last season, their was serious need for a change at the back. Late moves and bids where made for Dayot Upamecano and a loan for Danielle Rugani all failing due to its exhobitant price. Having already broken their transfer record for Pepe and the amount they had spent this season. Knowing arsenal well enough, it was difficult seeing a defender coming in.

The Final day of the transfer window befall us and two defensive additions were made. Kieran Tierney who has been chased all season long was signed and the much maligned David Luiz. Both defenders costing a combined £33m with Luis going for €8m was even more shocking. Kieran would add competition to the left back position and having watched him play at Celtic with his pace, attacking and defensive quality, we definitely got him for a steal in my opinion. Being just 22, he would be a long lasting solution to the left back position.

David "the playful" Luis, a Chelsea Legend. Say all you want about how he betrayed his former employees, knowing how they were restricted from making signings due to their transfer ban, but then again he felt his cycle at Chelsea was over and wanted another adventure.

His huge experience, leadership and intimidating figure are some of the qualities he is going to bring to arsenal given the fact they lost Koscielny to Bordeaux. Yes he can be caught off guard  atimes, but seeing the way Chelsea fans reacted in his Restaurant at West London we definitely got an upgrade on Error prone Skhodran Mustafi..

For a first time in a long while I'm optimistic and looking ahead to the new season. Raul and the arsenal board has worked their magic, it is left to the players and Unai to deliver.

I'm going to get my Jersey at the stores.. You  should get yours too. #COYG