Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. However, this issue has been addressed late into the January window.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the winter transfer window was Mykhailo Mudryk. But the Gunners suffered a huge blow in their pursuit as Chelsea hijacked a deal when Arsenal were finally advancing in their negotiations.
Edu opted to sign Leandro Trossard as an alternative, but this deal is seen as a more short-term option due to the lack of pedigree surrounding the Belgian, and the fact that he was a second option to Mudryk. It is also because of this that the Gunners continue to be linked to wingers.
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Tottenham, meanwhile, managed to bring in Arnaut Danjuma in the January transfer window to bolster their attacking ranks, with Bryan Gil leaving on loan back to former club Sevilla - but links are still appearing ahead of the summer transfer window.
One option for the Gunners or Spurs is Ansu Fati from Barcelona. Featuring heavily on the bench under Xavi Hernandez, he continues to court interest from clubs across Europe, including Arsenal and Tottenham, according to La Vanguardia. The report states that both the Gunners and Spurs "have been interested" in the Spain international.
The forward has six goals and three assists from 31 appearances in all competitions this season. This includes only nine starts and he has completed the full 90 minutes on two occasions.
The talented attacker enjoyed a breakthrough season during the 2019/20 campaign before the Blaugrana awarded him with a new contract containing a €1billion (£892million) release clause, however his struggles since then have lead to reports that Barcelona are willing to part company with the winger for a reduced fee, much lower than his eye-watering release clause.
Arsenal's wingers have been excellent throughout the season and are a major reason why the Gunners currently top the Premier League. Martinelli and Saka have both scored over six goals this season, which is an impressive statistic considering they are scoring from wide areas.
Spurs, meanwhile, have struggled this season with goals other than from Harry Kane. Son Heung-min has not hit the heights of previous seasons so far with just eight goals in all competitions, while Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison have only managed two each.
Finding a place in a competitive attacking line at either club would be difficult. But for the youngsters at Arsenal to keep this level of performance and intensity in the future, there will be times when they will need rest. With a lack of depth in quality in the wide areas, this has not been the case for Saka or Martinelli, with Arteta forced to play both in the Europa League group stage this season due to a lack of options.
With the Gunners projected to finish in a Champions League qualification spot next season, it is important that depth is added to the forward areas. Fati would certainly be an excellent acquisition and Arsenal are putting themselves in a great position to secure a deal for him.
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