Mikel Arteta vows he will sign players that take Arsenal to the "next level" with a week left of the transfer window.
It's been a relatively quiet January for the Gunners so far, although not through a lack of trying, as they look for winter reinforcements.
Arsenal have been in talks with Dusan Vlahovic and Arthur Melo with a striker and a midfielder on the agenda, but no move has materialised yet.
But Arteta insists he won't panic-buy and will only sign players that will drastically improve the squad.
“It’s what we planned, but the market is difficult, it’s complicated,” the Spaniard said.
“We knew that but it’s a lot to manage and we have to make the right decisions with players that we believe are going to really help us and try to bring in ones that can take us to the next level.
“We are certainly trying, but I don’t know if we’re going to be able to do it. Let’s see, it’s not only our intention but a lot of facts that are needed to happen.
“Players that come here have to be able to take us to the next level. We already have a level, and we want to see much better standards than we already have, and that is how we’re going to recruit.”
The north Londoners are running out of time to do so, however.
Here are five players they have been linked with that would take Arsenal to the "next level."
Dusan Vlahovic
The Serbian is the obvious choice to immediately improve Arsenal and you can't blame them for going all in to sign the striker.
Vlahovic is one of the best young players in the world and is exactly what Arteta is looking for.
The Gunners' problems at the top end of the park are well documented as aging pair Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are set to leave the club.
Vlahovic might only be one man, but he would go a long way in solving their issues.
At 21, he is already operating at such a high level, but how much he could improve is a scary proposition.
It's exactly why several clubs are tracking the rising star as Juventus look to hijack Arsenal's move.
Arthur Melo
The middle of the park is another area that Arsenal are short in. Arteta has a lot of youth in there, but the experience is lacking.
And that's where Arthur comes into the equation.
Having played for Barcelona and Juve, he has an impressive CV and his quality would instantly come to the fore in Arsenal's midfield.
Arteta's men are interested in a loan deal until the end of the season, but the Italians would prefer a longer agreement as well as getting a replacement in the door first.
Aleksander Isak
Isak is of a similar mould to Valhovic in terms of age and profile, but might not have as high a ceiling as the Fiorentina man.
But he's the next best thing if a deal for the Serb isn't feasible amid reports Arsenal will trigger his release clause.
Isak is starring for Real Sociedad but has really made his mark on the international stage with Sweden.
The 22-year-old might be slightly round around the edges but has shown flashes that suggest there is plenty more to come from him.
Arsenal would be the perfect place for him to develop with Arteta's track record of investing in youth.
Bruno Guimaraes
An alternative to Arthur is his Brazilian compatriot Bruno Guimaraes who is making a name for himself at Lyon.
The Gunners have been linked with the midfielder but there has been no official approach from the Emirates club.
But many feel Arsenal should be targeting the 24-year-old instead of Arthur given his pedigree.
Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson told Paddy Power: “Bruno Guimaraes would be a superb signing for Arsenal if they can make it happen. He’s young and I’ve been following him since he was playing for Athletico Paranaense. He’s also had some magnificent moments on the pitch for Lyon.
“He [Guimaraes] still needs to grow as a player, particularly in the tough games where he must really step up and show his quality. But to sign for Arsenal with a lot of other young players in their squad already, it would be great for him and the club.
“Bruno is a really smart player, he can pass in between the lines, he has a good understanding of the field when he needs to defend in space and he’s talented. Brazil have called him up for their next two World Cup qualifiers and there’s even a great opportunity to be a part of Brazil’s World Cup squad this year.
“Truly he will be a fantastic signing for them.”
Renato Sanches
Last but not least, Renato Sanches is arguably the most exciting prospect Arsenal have been linked with in January.
The Portugal star burst onto the scenes as a youngster in Euro 2016, but it appeared to be too much to handle for him as he struggled after a big-money move to Bayern Munich.
But Sanches has bounced back with Lille and is looking as good as ever.
He is what you would class as an all-around midfielder, something Arsenal are crying out for, but also has more levels to reach if he keeps improving.
