There was 3 others above him, not taking into account any players from the obvious big 3.
https://www.statbunker.com/competiti...rs?comp_id=518
Agree with you on the second assertion all the same, give him a chance before burying him. I think most people's frustration is based not at the player but at the process and the length of time it took to act which in turn may cause one to wonder if he was ever a plan or simply a panic/reaction to a less than awe inspiring start to the season.
Had he been high on Wenger's list of targets then given his clause he could in reality have signed earlier.