Despite spending more money than any other Premier League club this summer, there isn't exactly a sense that Arsenal have massively improved their squad this summer.
Ben White was their big money addition, but his performance against Brentford showed his transition to a bigger club may not be a smooth one. Their supporters were also not all that excited by the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, while Martin Odegaard was also brought in on a permanent basis.
At this stage, none of those feel like game changing signings for Arsenal.
There was clearly an emphasis on making the squad younger this summer, something that hasn't been the case in recent times. We have seen the likes of David Luiz and Willian brought in over the last couple of seasons.
In all, there a club that seems to lack a clear direction. That is an opinion shared by Paul Merson.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he criticised Arsenal's technical director for failing to put together a coherent plan on how to move the club forward.
It's worrying at Arsenal. You're still thinking: 'Where are they going?'
Edu has come in, and the recruitment has been lazy, if I'm being honest. It's been: 'Oh, we'll take Willian on a free… we'll take David Luiz for cheap.'
I remember years ago in football, managers were judged on signings. Sometimes I think Arteta is left behind, and I'm not sure how much of a say he has got in all of this.
Why would you let Joe Willock go? I'm not saying he's the answer, but he's come through the club and is going for £25m, that sort of money isn't going to change Arsenal. It's not like a Harry Kane or Jack Grealish sale where you get £100m and can rebuild the team.
But Arsenal are prepared to pay Willian big money. Where is the future in that? It's quick fixes. Surely Willock is a future player and for the present, and can be involved in the plan.
Jonny Evans is a good example. I was calling for Arsenal to sign him when he left West Brom - a very good player, who was at Man Utd at the wrong time. He would have been a success. But it felt like Arsenal didn't sign him because he played for West Brom. 'How can Arsenal be signing players from West Brom?'
My question to Edu would be: 'What's the plan?'
Arsenal were completely outplayed by newly promoted Brentford in their league opener, something that does not bode all that well for their prospects this season.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the new additions can have an immediate impact in the weeks ahead.
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