Following a string of outgoings at Arsenal, technical director Edu has slowly but surely returned the club to a position where the focus can switch back to incomings before the window closes in just eight days' time.
The five additions made so far and the return of several loanees meant Mikel Arteta was working with a bloated squad which included players surplus to requirements. Nicolas Pepe finds himself as one of them and is closing in on a loan move to French side OGC Nice as a result, football.london understands.
Despite the Ivorian's future still being up in the air at the time, Arsenal decided to make a move for Leeds United's Raphinha before he eventually joined Barcelona earlier in the window. However, now that a resolution has been found for Pepe, the pursuit of a new winger is set to continue.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta hints Arsenal will sign more players after Pedro Neto amid squad depth concerns
Various reports claim that Wolverhampton's Pedro Neto is now the priority for the Gunners, although it's been suggested that his price tag of around £50m could be off-putting. So with that in mind, here are three alternatives Arteta and Edu could turn to next if they fail to get their man.
Leandro Trossard
The 27-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in 2019 prior to joining Brighton & Hove Albion, where he has established himself as one of their most valuable players since.
With 19 goals and 11 assists to his name in England, Trossard offers plenty of attacking threat while perhaps not being the flashiest of wingers. However, he has proven that he can produce quality moments when it matters as goals against Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester United last season show. He has also started the new campaign in good form after getting on the scoresheet at West Ham on Sunday.
Now into the final year of his contract with the Seagulls, the Belgian international could prove to be a cheap yet effective option for Arteta in the remaining days of the window.
Yeremy Pino
Another player that has been linked previously but one who has caused a real buzz amongst the fanbase. Pino is making a name for himself at the age of just 19, stamping down a regular place in Unai Emery's Villarreal side after several impressive displays.
Possessing pace, tricky feet and an eye for goal, the Spanish international found the back of the net on seven occasions last season while providing four assists in the process. Like Trossard, the youngster has also started the new campaign strongly after scoring in a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
Predominantly a right-winger, Pino would slot nicely into the void left by Pepe, although six goals in 14 appearances on the left-hand side highlight the versatility he can offer.
Mykhaylo Mudryk
I think it's fair to say that many were unfamiliar with the player until a couple of days ago, but it's soon become clear as to why Arsenal are keeping tabs. Mudryk has emerged as one of Ukraine's most talented young players and is now the subject of interest from several European clubs.
The Gunners, in particular, have become 'more and more active' in the 21-year-old's file but are yet to submit an offer, according to Media Foot Marseille. After signing a new deal with Shakhtar Donetsk back in February this year, the report adds that he will not leave for less than £16.8m.
Offering plenty of attacking flair, Mudryk is comfortable on either flank and can even operate as an attacking midfielder. He most recently caught the eye during the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers alongside his international teammate, Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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