Arsenal appear to be close to having the desired squad depth for manager Mikel Arteta to compete across all competitions heading into next season. The Spaniard seems to have a few options across each position throughout the squad, something that wasn't the case for last campaign's failed run-in.
That's not to say that things couldn't be even better for the north London outfit, who are currently facing a striker problem heading into this weekend's clash with Fulham. Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard are all missing for the match through injury concerns.
It leaves Arteta with a few makeshift options to choose from, with Gabriel Martinelli the main choice over Emile Smith Rowe - who is recovering from being sidelined himself. It remains to be seen just how costly those absences could be in the next few weeks when it comes to the title race.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus injury return plan revealed as Arsenal make late change to prepare for Fulham
That may not be an issue in the summer though as a fourth striking option appears to be available to the squad if given a chance. That's in youngster Folarin Balogun, who has impressed during his loan spell with Reims in which he has scored 15 goals in 25 Ligue 1 appearances.
The Hale End academy graduate has had an uncertain future, given the potential challenges and players ahead of him in the pecking order, but he has already stated his wish to prove himself at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to Canal+, he said: "My mentality is just to prove that I’m capable.
"A lot of people might be surprised by the numbers that I’m putting up now but when I look back, even in the youth teams, I’ve always been the highest scorer. For me, it’s not a surprise [his form]. It’s just a case of maybe showing other people around the world what I’m capable of. This is why I’m able to stay focused and also quite calm.”
It remains to be seen which role he could play upon his return to the club, however the progression of the striker is clear and there could be a homegrown player there that will save millions in the transfer market.
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