Major signing and departures at Arsenal

Major ins: Petr Cech

Major outs: Wojciech Szczesny, Lukas Podolski, Carl Jenkinson, Yaya Sanogo, Serge Gnabry, Chuba Akpom, Abou Diaby

Arsene Wenger’s enduring faith in 7/10 goalkeepers finally expired this summer and the arrival of Petr Cech still looks like one of the coups of the transfer window. To pick up one of the world’s top five stoppers from such a big rival was no mean feat and the Czech will undoubtedly boost the Gunners’ chances of mounting a title challenge.

But there remain sources of frustration for fans, not least Wenger’s refusal to reinforce the midfield engine room. Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla will be enough against most sides, but the need for a more gritty presence was apparent in the draw with Liverpool.

Oh, and Arsenal are still waiting for the scientists to complete the machine that will fuse Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott into one perfect striker.