Mikel Arteta eyes Liverpool summer transfer plan to complete Arsenal Champions League rebuild

Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu raised some eyebrows in January after deciding against bringing any new faces through the door, that's despite the noticeable departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

It left the squad looking thin in certain areas such as central midfield and striker, with a number of players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. Folarin Balogun also joined Middlesbrough on loan, leaving just Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as the only senior striking options.

Arsenal were understood to have been pursuing deals for Arthur Melo and Dusan Vlahovic, but agreements for either player were not found with the latter eventually completing a move to Juventus.

Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak was also considered, but his £75m release clause was not activated because the Gunners thought it was above his market value.

Nicolas Pepe lesson proves Arsenal were right not to 'gamble' on £75m January striker move

Arsenal warned of Liverpool threat to repeat Luis Diaz Spurs hijack mission with £60m Edu target

Despite the lack of activity, tactics and scouting expert Josh Williams believes the club made the right decision not to buy someone for the sake of it, highlighting that it's a trait Liverpool have had huge success from in the past when speaking to The Arsenal Way's Bailey Keogh during 'Analysing Arsenal'.

"I can see some similarities there but I think specifically when you mention recruitment, over the past twelve months in particular I can see Arsenal not necessarily taking inspiration from Liverpool but just similarities across the board, specifically, Vlahovic.

"Years gone by Arsenal would have tried to get Vlahovic, failed, panicked and went and bought another