Arsenal's dramatic move to steal Eberechi Eze away from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur is a ruthless statement of intent designed to show this is the season they plan to finally claim the biggest prizes.
Spurs were ready to roll out the welcoming carpet for Crystal Palace's England forward on Wednesday, the deal virtually done with every indication the 27-year-old was set on the move.
It then filtered out that Arsenal were assessing the seriousness of a knee injury to forward Kai Havertz, which could potentially put a dent in their attacking resources - a weakness that played a significant part in manager Mikel Arteta's side ending empty handed for the fifth year in succession last season.