There was no defensive midfielder, or even a new centre-back, but Arsene Wenger did get a striker to come in before the closure of the summer transfer window, with England international Danny Welbeck moving from Manchester United to sign for the North London side in a deal worth £16 million.
The Gunners were thought to be in the market for a striker, and just missed out on signing Loic Remy, who eventually moved to London rivals Chelsea. Then the focus shifted to Radamel Falcao, with Arsenal's biggest rivals for the Colombian's signature thought to be Manchester City.
However, Manchester United swooped in and signed the prolific striker from Monaco on an initial loan deal, leaving Arsenal with not too many choices.
Welbeck was always going to be available, especially after Falcao's arrival at Old Trafford, but Tottenham were thought to be the frontrunners for the 23-year-old's signature.
However, Wenger, who was in Rome participating in a charity match as transfer deadline day unfolded on Monday, did his bit of magic to beat out competition from several Premier League clubs, including Spurs, to seal the transfer of Welbeck.
The English striker has put pen to paper on what is believed to be a five-year deal, with Arsenal completing the signing right on the 11 pm BST (3.30 am IST) deadline.
"Danny Welbeck has joined Arsenal for an undisclosed fee on a long-term deal," the club said on their official website. "The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory formalities. Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Danny to the club and looks forward to his contribution in an Arsenal shirt this season."
Arsenal were in dire need of a centre-forward after injury to Olivier Giroud. And while Welbeck provides Arsenal a pacy option up front, the only worry will be his lack of goals. However, Welbeck has been played out of position more often than not, and it will be interesting to see just how he gels with this Arsenal team if given an opportunity to play up front – he certainly has all the attributes Wenger loves in a striker – pace, power and the willingness to put a shift in.
While the signing of Welbeck will appease a few fans, it still leaves the Gunners short on a few positions, with the central defender and defensive midfielder, so necessary, remaining unfilled.
Wenger might come to regret not making a move to bring in another centre-half, despite having plenty of time to sign one once it became clear Thomas Vermaelen was leaving for Barcelona, while signing a player of William Carvalho's mould would have seriously strengthened their midfield.
However, at least Welbeck will provide Arsenal that extra option up front, allowing the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo more time to bed into the team.
