Arsenal Transfer News: Deadline Deals Are Not Enough to Erase Summer Departures

Arsenal supporters were victim to slight of hand on Wednesday. By the end of the day, they were convinced Arsene Wenger had saved the season.

Once the hangover wore off, we all knew better. 

Arsenal had to deal with two of the biggest losses imposed upon any team across the world, and they had to suffer them within weeks of each other. 

Cesc Fabregas left the Gunners, demanding Arsene Wenger find another skipper, playmaker and superstar all because of one departure. 

There is no getting back a player of Fabregas' talents. He was a leader on and off the pitch and his creativity with the ball was unparalleled. 

Then, Wenger lost Samir Nasri. While not nearly the adored character, he was spry on the wings. Coming off his best campaign, Nasri was going to figure heavily into the Gunners attack. 

On Wednesday, Wenger was running through the market, grabbing any shiny thing that would fit in his market basket. By the end of the night, his basket was full, but he still didn't get what he needed. 

So what did he get?

Well, Wenger didn't get the spry Juan Mata. Despite his efforts, Mata went to Chelsea. He instead received Yossi Benayoun, who, when healthy, is a middling attacker. 

He also got his hands on Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker. Those were fine signings, but Gary Cahill would have been far superior. 

His marquee transfer signing of the summer came at the deadline, and it was his best. Some claim Mikel Arteta has already played his best football. I disagree.

However, he is still no Fabregas. That is what haunts the Emirates. No matter what was going to happen at the deadline, they were playing a zero-sum game.

Arsenal received great players, but they are not better than they were last season. That is a fact ensured by the departure of the lovable Spaniard.