Arsenal transfer window graded after astute deals and failed pursuits

Deadline Day came and went without any unexpected twists for Arsenal.There was no late sprinkling of star quality to the forward areas. The Gunners have instead opted to stick with what they have until at least January.Time will tell whether the summer decisions will be a source of regret, or if Arsenal have enough to mount the defence of their Premier League title that many expect.Mikel Arteta, though, is a demanding manager who always wants more. It is hard to believe he is not at least somewhat frustrated with how the window played out.Bruno GuimaraesGettyThe goodA long-term back injury to William Saliba could have derailed Arsenal's season in a hurry, so bringing in Ezri Konsa was very smart business.He can slot in either in the centre of defence or at right-back and should ensure Saliba does not need to be rushed back.Arsenal's midfield, meanwhile, is now the envy of most clubs in Europe after Bruno Guimaraes' arrival.The Gunners had to wait to land the Brazilian, as talks dragged on over the summer, but the early signs look very positive for Guimaraes adding more progressive passing to Arsenal's play.He should also ensure Declan Rice's minutes can be better managed this season. Arsenal have truly remarkable depth in midfield.Christos Tzolis was also a very astute signing for just £34million, a fee that does not usually get you much in the current market.He struggled against Aston Villa but has otherwise hit the ground running and looks capable of providing a consistent of goals and particularly assists.Read MoreOn the outgoings front, getting a club-record sale of £60m for Gabriel Martinelli was a good price in isolation.Similarly, putting the wider context of Arsenal's numbers in attack to one side, Borussia Dortmund feel like a good fit for Ethan Nwaneri to spark back into life on loan.Fees for Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira were lower than expected, but Arsenal have trimmed the squad and freed up significant space on the wage bill.Julian AlvarezLondon StandardThe badThere is one glaring shortcoming in the work Arsenal have done this window.The top priority going into the summer was a marquee signing in attack, a player to elevate how the team operates in the final third and take them to the next level.Possessing that individual quality was one of Arteta's key takeaways from the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.Arsenal had the opportunity to sign Morgan Rogers early in the window but dithered over the price as they considered other options.By the time the Gunners returned to talks with Aston Villa, the asking price had gone up. Arsenal hesitated once more, allowing Chelsea to move in and agree a deal, and the club then opted against matching the £117m fee.That proved to be a theme for the summer in attack, Arsenal spinning plates and ultimately being left with none in the air.Arsenal have lost Martinelli's raw speed and failed to replace that particular trait, leaving the front line short of pace. Threat in behind and on the counter could be sorely lacking.Martinelli, Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri have all been allowed to leave this summer, with Christos Tzolis the only incoming in that area of the pitch.Ending the window weaker in attack than the club started it would have been unfathomable at the end of last season and yet that is the position Arsenal are now in. It is a huge gamble.Arteta wanted Arsenal to be "very ambitious, very fast and very smart" this summer. In attack, the club have simply not put his words into action.The gradeAt the end of last season, Josh Kroenke said: "If you’re not trying to continually evolve and improve, you’re standing still.”From a position of strength, Arsenal have not kicked on. The squad has not even stood still in attack – it has gone backwards.The signings that have been made are all positive additions with little to question. However, Arsenal have left themselves open to criticism by not addressing their biggest weakness.Grade: C+Viktor GyokeresGettyWhat is needed in January?As ever, much of that will depend on injuries.Arteta has had to contend with crucial absences for significant periods in recent seasons and with reinforcements in attack light, it is essential that big players stay fit.That, of course, goes for Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, but also for Eberechi Eze, who is the main cover at both left wing and No10.Attention in January is likely to again centre around whether Arsenal can bring in a forward.There has been plenty of talk about Junior Kroupi at Bournemouth, who should be back by then from a foot injury.If one of Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz gets injured, there will be calls for a striker signing. If Tzolis is struggling for form, the need for a winger will be enhanced.Whatever way round it is, there is every chance the January window becomes key to ensuring Arsenal have the firepower to sustain their challenge domestically and in Europe.