Arsenal are still in the race for fourth place and a first Champions League return since 2016-17 but with a week remaining before the January transfer window closes there is growing anxiety from supporters around the lack of activity.
Arrivals and departures are still expected before next Monday night's deadline and the primary focus is on bolstering their attack following yesterday's frustrating scoreless draw with Burnley at the Emirates.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is likely to depart after the Gabon star fell out with head coach Mikel Arteta, while Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak are the two most prominent names linked as his replacement.
Arteta has kept his cards close in recent weeks when asked about incomings and outgoings but of the four teams vying for fourth they are likely to be the busiest.
And after the north London club spent more than any other in the summer window there has been plenty of expectation from supporters that a winter splurge may follow as they try to regain their place among the true elite.
Defensively they have looked strong for most of the campaign, helped by Aaron Ramsdale in goal and Ben White at centre back, but the centre of midfield on top of the middle of attack are obvious areas ripe for improvement going forward.
Arthur Melo, of Juventus, is also predicted to seal a loan move.
The good news is that Arteta and technical director Edu have a maximum £201m to play with without breaking financial fair play regulations.
Hitting that cap is unlikely bordering on impossible but there is at least freedom to commit financial resources in pursuit of a return to the pinnacle of the club game should the right opportunities present themselves.
