After becoming Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, this was a big summer for Arsenal. It was the chance to make a massive statement.

Did they do that? Not in the slightest. Truth be told, this felt like a wasted transfer window in their quest to create a dynasty, a legacy-defining team.

The Gunners wanted an elite forward and while they signed a canny operator in Christos Tzolis, they missed out on a host of names from Julian Alvarez and Morgan Rogers to Vinicius Junior.

They thought they had the Brazilian but he put an end to an 18-month contract dispute at Real Madrid by signing a new deal at the Bernabeu.

Why missing out on Vini Jr is a blessing in disguise for Arsenal

Had Arsenal signed Vinicius, it would have shocked the world. It had the potential to be the biggest deal in Premier League history.

Vini is a genuine superstar; he's one of the best left wingers in the world. In fact, he's one of the best forwards in the world.

While Kylian Mbappe has now become the main man in Madrid, the Brazilian has still very much been at the forefront of their success.

Indeed, this is a player who has scored over 20 goals in each of his last five seasons. It's a level that nearly saw him win the Ballon d'Or before he was pipped to the post by Rodri.

So, for an Arsenal team that struggled to score and create from open play last term, the 26-year-old ticked so many boxes.

However, might it have been a blessing in disguise to miss out on him? This term has been a troublesome one for the Brazilian icon, so much so that some conspiracy theorists think he's been cloned since returning from the World Cup.

While that isn't even remotely possible, his performances have been a worry.

The 26-year-old has only scored one goal in seven matches and has been withdrawn before the 70th minute mark in each of Madrid's last two LaLiga games. He didn't even make 60 minutes last time out in a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Considering the wages Vinicius would have commanded to move to the Emirates, perhaps Arsenal were better off waiting and buying their time instead. More financially viable deals could be on the table in 2027.

Arsenal set for big announcement that's better than signing Vini

After missing out on all of Mikel Arteta's leading targets over the summer, Andrea Berta has had some making up to do.

Fortunately, he is repairing the slightly damaged relationship with supporters. He has now officially wrapped up a deal to extend Arteta's contract.

He has penned a new contract until 2031 and will earn a staggering £20m-per-year according to reports. He is comfortably the best-paid manager in the Premier League.

However, the good news does not stop there. No, in their pursuit of righting the wrongs of last summer, Declan Rice is also set to extend his stay in north London.

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who took to social media on Thursday to report that "Arsenal are closing in on a new deal for Declan Rice", revealing that the plan is "100% confirmed."

Well, this is exceptional news if you are an Arsenal fan. If any player in the squad can hold a candle to Vini Jr's star power, it is certainly Rice.

The debate will rage on regarding just how many 'world-class' players there are in this Arsenal squad but the former West Ham United man is certainly an elite player, regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the world. There is a reason he has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or as well.

The simple fact is that despite just how impressive the likes of William Saliba and David Raya are, Rice is Arsenal's main man; he is their club-record signing and he's the player who will deliver no less than an 8/10 in every game.

Since signing for a jaw-dropping £105m fee back in 2023, he has proven to be a game-changer. Josh Kroenke said as much when discussing what the turning point in Arsenal's bid to win the Premier League was.

"If you pay that price tag, it can't just be for a talent on the pitch. You need to be getting a plug-and-play player and you need to have a leadership ability off the pitch." Well, that's precisely what makes Rice such a unique individual.

Whatever the situation, whatever the scenario, Rice is your go-to man. Sure, he's had some magic moments - those two free-kicks against Real Madrid will forever live on in the memory of supporters - but he's not just about making headlines.

He works like a dog. He's simply everywhere in the middle of the park for Arsenal; he is the glue that binds the team together.

Rice is surely also the future captain. Martin Odegaard is the skipper right now but it is the England international who is seen shouting the loudest. He's such a key voice in the dressing room after three years at the Emirates.

Therefore, tying him down to an extended contract is arguably even better news than signing Vini. The Brazilian would have been an exceptional signing, but even he has proven that he is not immune to poor performances.

Rice, by comparison, is the very definition of consistency. One of the few players we can safely call world-class in this Arsenal team, addressing his future is the best news imaginable after Arteta's decision to stay. Together, the champions are keeping two of their most vital components.