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Pundit Noel Whelan has heaped praise on Arsenal for fixing a transfer mistake during the summer.

The Gunners had a busy window, and it looks like their new arrivals are starting to pay off. Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu looked solid in the recent 3-1 victory over north London rivals Tottenham.

He could become a great replacement for the departed Hector Bellerin. Martin Odegaard also put in a good performance, effectively bridging the gap between midfield and attack.

Ben White is yet to show his true class but the England international should soon get up to speed.

Arguably the most impressive Arsenal signing is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The 23-year-old moved to Emirates Stadium for an initial £24m in August. The deal could rise to £30m if certain conditions are met.

Ramsdale commanded his area against Spurs and kept Nuno Espirito Santo’s men at bay with a number of top saves. His goal was eventually breached by Son Heung-Min 11 minutes from time.

Whelan believes Ramsdale’s arrival can make up for the loss of Emi Martinez, who was sold to Aston Villa last September. The 29-year-old has since emerged into one of the best shot-stoppers in the league.

Whelan told Football Insider: “I think it’s a shrewd signing. Mikel Arteta let Emi Martinez go, which they really missed a trick with because Bernd Leno is not a great fit.

“Martinez then showed Arteta exactly what he could do after leaving, he’s put in some really good performances at Aston Villa.

“That was a mistake on their part, but they’ve put that right by going out and getting Ramsdale.

“British, young and he can really organise the defence – he has loads of time ahead of him as well.

“He’s involved in the England set-up too. He’s just such a good signing and we saw that with some of his shot-stopping against Tottenham.”

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Spurs man opens up on Arsenal pursuit

Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal has revealed that Arsenal were interested in his signature.

The Brazil international left Barcelona for Spurs on deadline day. Club chairman Daniel Levy parted with €30m (£25.7m) to make him Serge Aurier’s replacement.

However, things could have gone differently if Spurs didn’t act so quickly.

Explaining what happened this summer, Emerson said: “I saw this wish from Tottenham. I even talked to the director, he called me and all. And I saw this club’s desire to have me here. I said ‘I’m going’.

“I actually had a conversation with Edu. He showed me the desire of the club and such. And, of course, I needed Barcelona, ​​I couldn’t settle anything with anyone, Barcelona had to deal club to club.

“And that’s where Barcelona went and found a deal with Tottenham. I also got to talk to Tottenham, at first I didn’t have any verbal agreement with anyone.”

READ MORE: Arteta finally caves in and will allow unhappy star to play favourite position

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