The Gunners identified Tel as a potential last-gasp target to afford boss Mikel Arteta another attacking weapon. While Arsenal have scored freely at times through the 2024/25 season, it has occasionally hindered the north London outfit to not have a prolific and recognised No9.

Now – thanks to David Ornstein – the specific reason behind why Arsenal chose not to sign Mathys Tel and allowed Tottenham to have a free run has emerged. Speaking for The Athletic on Deadline Day Live, the respected journalist simply said: “Mikel Arteta didn’t just want to bring in a body.”