Mikel Arteta has tried unsuccessfully to sign players such as Rafinha, Pedro Neto and Myhailo Mudryk in recent windows.
There are growing calls for Arsenal to sign a striker this month, but the need for a new winger should not be ignored.
The Gunners have been trying to sign the winger over the past 18 months, with several offers for Raphinha in the summer of 2022 rejected.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have performed admirably over the past 18 months, but both players are currently experiencing a decline in form.
The pair scored Arsenal’s goals against Fulham on Sunday, but that should not obscure the hardships they have endured.
It was Saka’s first goal in six games, while Martinelli has only scored two goals in 18 Premier League games.
He scored 15 points in 36 games last year.
Most worryingly, Martinelli didn’t even try to attack once against Fulham on Sunday.
For a player whose game is based on being an aggressive defender, this was an alarming statistic.
The obvious solution is for Arteta to rest and rotate the wingers, but there isn’t enough depth.
readReiss Nelson may have impressed with his brilliant performances off the bench, but he has not featured in a league game since July 2020.
Emile Smith Rowe was hugely important in the early part of Arteta’s reign, but he has struggled with injury and was not used as a substitute on Sunday.
Trossard is Arteta’s best option, but his style is very different to Martinelli and Saka.
The Belgian brings control but lacks the speed and drive to lead his team ahead from the flanks, and his best games for Arsenal came in false nines.
It’s particularly hard to argue with the fact that Arteta’s side don’t need a new No.
9, but they also need depth on the wings, especially after the last three games without a win.
In an ideal world, we would sign a player who can cover both roles, but the arrival of a new striker would allow Gabriel Jesus to move to the wing if necessary.
The Brazilian did this during his time at Manchester City and at times did the same at Arsenal.
The challenge for Arsenal is that they are notoriously difficult to sign in January and Arsenal are constrained by financial regulations.
The club must sale that’s why the departure of a player like Nelson could be so important as it would give Arsenal an opportunity to enter the market.
But for now, Arteta must continue to give his best and hope that Martinelli and Saka return to their best soon.
Arsenal’s chances of winning the title depend on this.
