5 players Arteta wanted to sign for Arsenal in the summer and where they are now

In the immediate aftermath of Arsenal's title charge capitulating last season, Mikel Arteta was tipped to spend heavily in the summer to try and go one better this term.

The Gunners boss certainly hasn't been shy when the time comes to splash the cash during his reign in the Emirates hot seat and forked out on a number of mega-money deals in recent windows. Arsenal topped the table for the majority of the campaign last time around, but injuries curtailed their hopes of a first title since 2004.

Keen to ensure the same situation doesn't present itself at the business end of this season, Arteta was expected to make as many as five high-profile signings to bolster the Arsenal squad. Things didn't exactly play out as expected and in the end, he made just four.

Of the four that were brought to the Emirates, only one was on the shortlist of expected arrivals back in May of this year. Mirror Football has taken a look at the five players predicted to join Arsenal and where they are now.

The £105million man is the only one who DID make the switch to the Emirates. After one of the lengthier transfer sagas of the summer window, which included a rival bid from Manchester City, Arsenal eventually landed their man for what remains a record fee for a British player.

Rice has taken to life in north London with ease and already established himself as one of the first names on Arteta's team sheet. Adding some much-needed grit to the Gunners midfield is a welcome bonus, but it is Rice's technical quality and in-game intelligence that have made him undroppable for Arsenal.

The England international has already sealed his place in the hearts of the Emirates faithful with a 94th-minute winner against Manchester United back in September. Rice has