Arsene Wenger has admitted his surprise with Jhon Duran's transfer to Al-Nassr last month, which in a roundabout way prevented his former club Arsenal from signing Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

"If we can get the right player, that's what we're actively looking at. Any player? No. Someone that makes us better and has an impact on the team. We need some help, we're very short already but the team is coping. We have to do what is right for the club."

That was the message from Mikel Arteta regarding the signing of a striker when Arsenal had 10 days remaining to conduct business during the January transfer window. They ended without recruiting anyone, now injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have gone against that pivotal call in such a short window of time.

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It may not have been for a lack of trying. Football.london understands that a £40m-plus-add-ons proposal for Watkins arrived in Villa's inbox during the winter business period. News broke of the Midlands club's annoyance at the timing of an offer hours before the last round of Champions League fixtures commenced, though in reality talks had taken place during the week prior to that night.

They would have also taken place long before Villa entered negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr for the transfer of Duran. That ended up being the striker deal sanctioned before the deadline with the Gunners not meeting Watkins' valuation, therefore he stayed where he was.

Wading in on the Colombian's part in the story in particular, former legendary Arsenal manager Wenger has told Al-Nassr's club website: "Duran is a young player. He played at Aston Villa where he was adored and loved.

"It was a surprise that during the season, from the Premier League, he moves to the Saudi Pro League. But congratulations, they have done a good job there."

Unfortunately, the aftermath of the scenario is that Arteta is left with only Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to lead the assault towards a Premier League title, at least for the time being. Bukayo Saka and Martinelli are expected to return before the season's end though reportedly Havertz joins Gabriel Jesus out for the long-term.

In that time club transfer strategists are going to have to map out the next step in Arteta's team evolving, starting with the addition of a No.9.