Mikel Arteta is closer than ever to assembling his ideal Arsenal first-team squad size after overseeing as many as four deals in the summer transfer window so far.
With Marquinhos - the first new addition in a £3m move from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo - being handed the no.27 shirt in training, it may indicate that he will be part of the senior squad next season alongside fellow recruits Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and compatriot Gabriel Jesus.
Not that this decision rules out the prospect of Arsenal signing another wide player before transfer deadline day as Arteta could still be looking to bolster the department and also provide extra competition for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
READ MORE: PSG make double announcement that could give Arsenal the green light to complete £25m transfer
By all accounts, the Gunners' business this summer is far from over, and especially when taking into consideration what Arteta said about plans for the window towards the end of last season, it's an indicator of how many incomings and outgoings supporters can expect before the end of August.
"If you can financially afford it and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do, if you ask me what I want it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers," he said. "You have to come a long way in the aspects that you see on the pitch, it’s a lot of things that have to be put in place, and that takes time."
So, 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers would be the perfect Arsenal squad size for Arteta. With Matt Turner likely to replace Bernd Leno, he can be the back-up to Aaron Ramsdale, whilst Arthur Okonkwo or Karl Hein could act as the third-choice goalkeeper next season.
With that said, following confirmation of contract extensions for Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny, the release of Alexandre Lacazette plus the signings of Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal currently have 28 outfield first-team players under contract for next season.
This means Arteta is already over the limit for his ideal squad size. But with Hector Bellerin, Pablo Mari, Auston Trusty, Nuno Tavares, Lucas Torreira, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Nicolas Pepe all tipped to depart either on loan or permanently this summer, the Gunners could have 20 senior outfield players left if this scenario plays out.
As a result, three more signings would be required for Arteta to get his wish of 22 outfield players in his Arsenal squad for next season. Alternatively, the Spaniard could promote academy starlet Charlie Patino to the first-team picture in order to boost the numbers slightly.
Although perhaps it's interesting to note that a central midfielder and a versatile defender appear to be on the Gunners' radar for the remainder of the transfer window amid links to Youri Tielemans and Lisandro Martinez. So it seems Arteta certainly has his priorities in place to ensure his squad is well equipped to compete in the Premier League and in Europe next season.
READ NEXT:
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Gabriel Jesus tells Mikel Arteta his favourite position following Arsenal transfer
Edu's 'transfer shirt', debut hint and Emirates Stadium verdict as Arsenal sign Gabriel Jesus
'Announce Tielemans and Martinez!' - Arsenal's next two transfers decided after £45m deal struck
Lisandro Martinez should listen to Alexis Sanchez over Arsenal and Man Utd transfer choice
