Unai Emery failed to land three key players he had targeted to boost his Arsenal squad prior to his side’s downfall.
The Spanish coach was sacked as the Gunners’ boss at the end of last month after overseeing the club’s worst run of results in over two decades.
Emery had spent over £130 million during the summer in a successful transfer window for Arsenal, but the Athletic report he did not sign any of his prime targets.
He had pinpointed England centre-back Harry Maguire as a solution to the club’s defensive problems and was also keen on Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey.
Arsenal were forced out of the race for Maguire by Premier League Champions Man City, and his eventual destination Man Utd – whom the Leicester defender had supported as a boy.
Following a poor end to the previous season – which saw Arsenal miss out on a top-four spot – Emery knew it was unlikely they would be able to trump the Manchester rivals who entered a bidding war for Maguire’s signature.
Meanwhile, Partey had been identified by Emery as an ideal candidate to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield but was put off by his 50 million euros’ release clause.
Arsenal could not commit to that sort of figure, having made signing a wide player their priority, with Palace winger Zaha initially topping their shortlist.
However, after seeing a £40 million bid for Zaha rejected, Arsenal turned their attention to Nicolas Pepe, who was seen as a wiser investment due to his age.
Pepe eventually cost Arsenal £70 million but has struggled to find his form since arriving from Lille, while the proven Zaha continues to perform at a high level for Palace.
David Luiz was then brought in on deadline day as an alternative to Maguire for a cut-price £8 million fee, but the Brazilian has done little to shore up Arsenal’s defence.