Mikel Arteta really improved the Arsenal squad during the summer transfer window, giving it a proper overhaul in order to push for a top-four spot this season.

Quality arrivals such as Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko certainly improved their starting XI, while the Spaniard managed to get rid of some deadwood such as Bernd Leno and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

These decisions seem to have worked wonders, with Arsenal currently sitting top of the Premier League table.

It might have been even better, with Edu missing out on bringing a talented young La Liga star to England.

Edu must be red-faced

Arsenal were linked with a move for Yeremy Pino during the latter stages of the summer, with a fee of around £42.2m looking like it might be enough to convince Villarreal to sell, especially due to their current financial situation.

The 19-year-old has already made 85 appearances for the La Liga side, scoring 15 goals in the process and his form has attracted the likes of Arsenal.

The club were linked with a few right-wingers during the transfer window, with Pedro Neto from Wolves being a key target, however, Edu must be regretting not stumping up the cash for Pino when he had the chance.

This season, Pino is second in the Villarreal squad with big chances created (three), second for successful dribbles per match (1.7), and sixth for goal contributions (one).

With Presenter and pundit Jack Collins describing Pino as the “real deal” back in August, Arteta and co may have just missed their best opportunity to bring the player to London for a bargain price.

The Spaniard would slot into the Arsenal frontline with ease, with his versatility adding some real depth to the Arsenal attack and he might have taken them to the next level.

Pino has international experience with Spain, winning four caps and even scoring against Iceland in March, as well as having Champions League experience with his club, reaching the semi-finals last season.

At such a young age, his growing maturity is something that Arteta would have loved at Arsenal and it could have been a match made in heaven. With January fast approaching, could the 40-year-old launch a surprise bid? Only time will tell.