Arsenal remain very much active with three weeks left of the transfer window, but Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu must ensure they continue to bring in the right profile of player should they complete more additions ahead of September 1st.
A number of departures including Bernd Leno, Nuno Tavares and Lucas Torreira have been confirmed, while Pablo Mari and Hector Bellerin are also nearing the exit door. The clearout follows a £120million spending spree that involved the signings of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira.
However, as confirmed by Arteta, the business isn't done there. "We are going to try [for more signings]," he said following the win over Crystal Palace. "There are a few things that we planned. If we can do them, it will be great. For now, we will work with the players we have. We are in the middle of the season already."
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta shows Pep Guardiola influence as 'every' Arsenal star warned after training session
One position which appears to be an area of interest is the wing and the unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha is the biggest hint yet that Arteta is serious in his search for a new wide player. With Nicolas Pepe's own future up in the air, it's become clear that competition and support is needed for Bukayo Saka, in particular. However, the All or Nothing Amazon series has also revealed why another forward cannot afford to scupper the progress of Gabriel Martinelli.
Since joining the Gunners in 2019, Martinelli's clear talent, determined attitude and incredible energy have seen him become a real fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium. It hasn't always been easy for the 21-year-old, who has encountered numerous injury setbacks and a frustrating spell on the sidelines when the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe were favoured upfront. Despite this, the hard work eventually paid off for the Brazilian, who now finds himself as a valuable member of Arteta's first team squad.
A number of standout performances have led to plaudits from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who labelled Martinelli the "talent of the century". The player is also enjoying some much-needed consistency in the starting eleven, picking up regular minutes in pre-season and in the opening game of the new Premier League campaign, scoring in the 2-0 win at Palace last week.
In episode four of All or Nothing: Arsenal, Arteta's assistant coach Steve Round is sat at the table alongside Edu in the canteen of Arsenal's training ground. They see Martinelli grabbing some food which starts a conversation of high praise for the youngster. "He's training well, Gabi," says Round. "So sharp, so fast, so aggressive. Edu, I love him. Honestly, I love him. He just, well, he just needs time, that's all."
Edu then replies, "And as a person, he's a top boy," before Round agrees. "He is a great kid, trains every day like it's his last day on earth. He's just, he's a diamond, he really is." Round is an experienced coach who has worked with some of the biggest talents in the game, so he certainly knows a star when he sees one and it appears Martinelli is no exception.
Aside from the spark that we see from Martinelli on the pitch, it's what's said about him off it and within the walls of London Colney that reiterate just how special he is. There's no doubt that if he can keep fit and find consistency, he has what it takes to be a regular starter each week. Now he's finally on the right track, Arteta and Edu must ensure any potential move for a new winger does not get in the way or it could be a decision that is regretted in the future.
You can watch episodes 4 - 6 of All or Nothing: Arsenal exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta delivers scathing Arsenal dressing room team talk in fiery All or Nothing episode
Pablo Mari exit, Gabriel Martinelli admission, Yeremy Pino 'interest', Sandro Tonali links
Edu continues Arsenal transfer exodus as Pablo Mari set to join Monza in £5.9m deal
Arsenal handed double boost to register Yeremy Pino for debut vs Leicester if transfer is sealed
Arsenal are on course to avoid nightmare Europa League tie this season after surprise result
