As it stands, Folarin Balogun is the only out-and-out striker on Arsenal's books for next season.
Deadline day saw the Gunners allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to move to Barcelona after a breach of disciplinary rules saw him frozen out and stripped of the captain's armband.
That, coupled with the impending contract expiry of both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, means Balogun is out on his own in terms of centre-forwards contracted to the Emirates next season. Last year he penned a fresh four-year deal.
Many Arsenal fans may decry that fact, citing a lack of investment in the forward areas in recent times as a crucial reason for the club's inability to re-establish themselves among English football's elite.
But for Balogun himself it represents a huge chance next season. Can he finally make the step up, after enhancing his reputation at youth level?
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For the time being, he will be aiming to impress boss Mikel Arteta from afar. He actually started the season in the team, with positive Covid tests forcing Arteta into handing the 20-year-old a first-ever Premier League start.
But he would feature just three more times and amid concern at stalled progress, he was loaned out to Middlesbrough last month.
Friday night now offers Balogun the perfect stage to show his credentials against an arch-rival of his parent club when Boro travel to Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
So far Balogun has made three cameo appearances from the bench, chipping in with an assist last time out in a Championship victory over Coventry City.
On Friday night he will be hoping to be the beneficiary of the usual personnel alterations that come with an FA Cup tie, and earn a maiden start for Chris Wilder's side.
Even against what is likely to be a watered-down United side, Balogun will be hoping to catch the eye.
Speaking recently about the reasoning behind his temporary move to Teesside, Balogun said: "I hope a successful loan puts me in a better position that I was in before coming here.
“Coming through the ranks at Arsenal (being their main striker) was always something I wanted to achieve. Coming here my job is to give it my all and see what happens.
“It is a case of me knowing what I can do and showing it on the first team stage. That is the main thing.
“It is difficult for any young player. It is something (breaking through) you know won’t happen overnight. Young footballers have to wait for their chance, I am looking forward to it now it has arrived.
“I want to play senior football, fight for three points, to push for promotion and there is a lot of pressure here. It is a great fit for me to be here and learn and score goals.
“This feels great. I wanted it to happen for a while. I tried to narrow down my options and spoke to Chris Wilder and knew this was somewhere I wanted to be.
"I knew the manager and that helped a lot. At Sheffield United we spoke and I have wanted to work with him. He has a vision and philosophy and I have studied that.
“Promotion is something that I would like to feel. I am looking forward to it.”
