Arsenal's list of players "almost signed" under Arsene Wenger must make harrowing reading for fans of the club.
While the actual proximity of such transfers to the proverbial line can be difficult to determine, Luis Suarez and N'Golo Kante represent two deals that seemed within range across the more recent windows.
Yet, for one reason or another, the deals were not completed.
Well, extracts from Antoine Griezmann's refreshingly blunt autobiography may just shine some light on Arsenal's frequent inability to carry out a significant transfer.
Behind the Smile details how in 2013 Griezmann felt very enthusiastic about joining the North London club. Still a year away from joining Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, the then Real Sociedad man believed that Arsenal's reported interest was worth "putting aside all other offers".
The same summer that Arsenal would complete the signing of Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil, Griezmann's recollection of events does not reflect favourably on his seemingly keen suitors:
I waited, I waited, and I kept waiting ... when there was no news, Eric called Grimandi, who said that [Wenger] was still interested in me [and] to keep waiting.
Finally a few hours before the market closed, he let us know Arsenal would not make a move. I don't like to be told something and for it not to happen.
So when Eric told me later that the London club were interested again I told him "Forget it, after the blow they gave us".
Griezmann's deviation from discussing Arsenal to just referring to them as "the London club" signifies perhaps the extent of his anger at the perceived lack of respect.
When the proposed transfer of Suarez to Arsenal fell aground after looking a real possibility, a lack of respect shown to the selling-club was similarly directed toward Arsenal's behaviour.
If Griezmann's incredibly frank book does tell us anything of his intentions, Manchester United fans have the right to be the most excited - he scarcely hides his ambition to join the club that his "absolute role model" David Beckham played for.
Regarding Arsenal, it could be just as well they have now acquired the services of Raul Sanllehi, Barcelona's Director of Football during a 14 year stint with the club.
