While on the continent, Gunners chiefs held talks with the representatives of Joan Garcia, the Espanyol goalkeeper who the club attempted to recruit back in the summer. During those conversations, according to The Athletic, Arsenal also raised the prospect of signing Morata who shares and agent with Garcia.

Arsenal were eventually ‘beaten to the punch’ by Turkish giants Galatasaray, who secured a loan deal until the end of the season for the Spain international. The report in The Athletic added:

The January transfer window may have slammed shut, but Arsenal could still welcome a new face or two to the Emirates Stadium

A late pivot to focus on the forward line led to an opportunistic attempt to sign Ollie Watkins and discussions over Alvaro Morata

Mikel Arteta has admitted his disappointment at Arsenal's failure to sign a striker in the January transfer window but believes the club need to stay "very disciplined" to remain on track.