To paraphrase Charles Dickens, a Tale of Two Teams has emerged in the Premier League. On one side, Manchester United, who have clinched a record deal for Juventus star Paul Pogba.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are playing a rather lower-profile game in the transfer market, with West Bromwich Albion stopper Jonny Evans now their prime target.
The difference has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford, with many Red Devils fans keen to compare the fortunes of the bitter English rivals in the current window.
Twitter was ablaze with choice United comments, with many unkind users suggesting Pogba represents a rather better deal than the useful Northern Ireland international.
Manchester United are signing Paul Pogba while Arsenal are interested in signing Jonny Evans.
— Ramesh (@RameshK1902) 8 de agosto de 2016
We just signed Pogba whilst Arsenal are waiting on clearance from west brom over Jonny Evans. The difference between the 2 clubs is massive
— Jamie Bazley (@jamiebazley) 8 de agosto de 2016
Arsene Wenger says @ManUtd's £100m move for Pogba is 'crazy'.
But then prepares a £16m bid for Jonny Evans
— CA$HY™ (@Cashy_1990) 8 de agosto de 2016
I must be in a dream world - we've signed Zlatan and Pogba and Arsenal are after Jonny Evans.
If carlsberg did transfer windows
— Carl Allford (@callford1971) 8 de agosto de 2016
So you're telling me while we sign Pogba, Arsenal are chasing Jonny Evans? I'm just waiting to hear the delusion that makes him WC #MUFC
— Rumman Amin (@rumantweets) 8 de agosto de 2016
On the day United sign Pogba, Arsenal begin talks with Jonny Evans HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA great banter by Wenger
— Curt Livingstone (@curt_17) 8 de agosto de 2016
Arsenal could announce Johnny Evans before we do Pogba. The Banter.
— Roger Fwèshboi (@1DenRoger) 8 de agosto de 2016
Stormzy announcing the Pogba transfer is actually decent. Can't wait for Peter Andre to announce Jonny Evans to Arsenal
— Aled Phillips (@AledJPhillips) 8 de agosto de 2016
Worrying times for Arsenal fans, #MUFC have signed Ibra, Miki nearly Pogba, they're getting rejected by Vardy and after Jonny Evans/blockquote>
..... - Goal