Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window but the Frenchman ended up staying at the French club.
Arsenal went on to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid instead by triggering his release clause on deadline day.
The 27-year-old has done reasonably well for the Gunners so far but the failure to sign Aouar has exposed a major weakness in Arteta’s midfield. The London club are seriously lacking in imagination and it has affected their creativity this season.
The likes of Xhaka and Partey are not creative midfielders and someone like Aouar is needed at the club.