Arsenal and Manchester City were both provided with significant reminders of the talents that they missed out on during the summer transfer window. The two title-challenging outfits both had targets that are now playing at West Ham, and the duo are thriving at present.
Mikel Arteta was keen to bolster his ranks ahead of this season, feeling that an injection of fresh faces into the squad would ensure that complacency does not seep into his team. David Raya arrived as an alternative goalkeeper option, with Jurrien Timber signed as a versatile defensive option.
The Gunners then splashed the cash on Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in midfield, and the pair have formed a solid, balanced trifecta with club captain Martin Odegaard. However, Arsenal did not manage to bring in a forward to ensure that the Emirates Stadium outfit had enough depth to compete in all competitions.
Mohammed Kudus was shortlisted as a target in North London, with the Ghana international thought to be open to joining the club. Arsenal never approached Ajax with any form of vigour for the versatile playmaker though, leaving the door open for West Ham to pounce and secure his signature.
Kudus has hit the ground running in the Premier League since, scoring twice against Wolves on Sunday night to take his goal tally to seven goals in all competitions. The 23-year-old has showcased that he has the skillset to cope with the demands of the English top-flight, with his quick feet and electric pace making him a defensive nightmare – and ‘one that got away’ for Arsenal.
Though Arteta isn’t alone in having regrets involving West Ham stars. City were desperate to acquire the services of Lucas Paqueta and shortlisted the Brazilian international as their top target to replace Ilkay Gundogan.
The deal was put on hold though due to a betting investigation, with City eventually turning their attention to alternative targets instead due to his £85million price tag. Matheus Nunes was signed from Wolves instead, though Paqueta has continued to earn plaudits at West Ham since.
The ex-Lyon star has justified why the Hammers were demanding such a mammoth fee for his services with superb solo performances on the left wing, with his desire to cut inside and influence play centrally making him an important player in David Moyes’ side. It is not unusual for City to return for former targets, but they may regret not pushing for Paqueta more aggressively given his valuation is only increasing further.
