Going into the summer transfer window as Premier League champions, hope sprang eternal for ***** nal.
An opportunity to capitalise, encouraged by a sense at Emirates Stadium that their competitors were in transition because of managerial instability.
If ever there was a moment to strike in recruitment, this was it.
The plans were ambitious: a shortlist with more than 20 players on it. They were targets at Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, even at Chelsea and Tottenham.
But as the window shut on Tuesday night, you could not escape the sense of unfulfillment - certainly from a section of supporters.

#emirates