Here we are then, the day that can either bring joy and excitement or just pure disappointment for any football fan. This deadline day will no doubt be as dramatic as ever, but the question is - will Arsenal be amongst it all?
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that the door remains open for further additions but reiterated business will only be done if it involves the right player. After all, we've been here before. Back in January, many were convinced that the club would sign someone given the shortages in attack and midfield, yet Arteta and Edu refused to press the panic button.
Fast forward to today and it's a similar situation. Nicolas Pepe has departed on loan without a replacement in sight while injuries to Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey leave the Gunners worryingly light in midfield. However, the return to Europe and the newly introduced five-substitution rule means squad depth is more important than ever before.
With all of that in mind, I take a look at what would be a dream deadline day for Arsenal in my eyes, however ambitious it may seem.
READ MORE: Danilo unlikely, Mudryk rival, Elneny decision, Tielemans option - Arsenal transfer state of play
Danilo and Mudryk join
A midfielder and winger are the missing pieces to the jigsaw for Arsenal this season. Pepe's departure means Arteta will most likely be relying on Bukayo Saka more often than not, which is a big concern when you think about the increased risk of injuries and burnout.
Meanwhile, the Gunners boss has admitted that injuries to Partey and Elneny could change the club's approach today, confirming they are looking at different options in the market. Various reports suggest Palmeiras midfielder Danilo has emerged as a potential candidate in the remaining hours of the window. Edu initially looked at a deal for the Brazilian in January but a similar reluctance to sell also led to minimal progress then.
It could be a similar outcome this time around too, however, with Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals and unable to sign a replacement due to their window ending already. Danilo's ability to operate as both a central and defensive midfielder while possessing a goal threat makes him an ideal fit. A move could be revisited in January if nothing is sealed before 11pm tonight, football.london understands.
Going forward, Mykhaylo Mudryk appears to be one of the more feasible options to strengthen the frontline, with Pedro Neto's price tag seemingly too difficult to match this late on. Labelled as the 'Ukrainian Neymar', there is a lot to like about the player. A combination of explosive pace and skill makes him a nightmare to defend against. Brentford appear to be pushing the hardest for his signature as things stand but whoever gets him will be landing an exciting talent.
In terms of alternatives for the wing, I think Leandro Trossard should be under consideration. Premier League proven, has had an impressive start to the season and won't cost a substantial amount considering he's into the final year of his contract. We could do a lot worse in my opinion.
Tielemans surprise
As they often say on deadline day, never say never. The chances of Arsenal recruiting a midfielder have risen and Youri Tielemans still finds himself at Leicester City. The Gunners' interest in the Belgian has been well documented throughout the summer after there were initial talks with his representatives.
Despite this, the Foxes are believed to have been demanding upwards of £30m for Tielemans, leaving Arsenal reluctant to pay such a fee for a player who has under a year remaining on his current deal, football.london understands.
However, Sky Sports News are now reporting that a deal could be completed if an offer in the region of £25m is received, adding that both Arsenal and Newcastle United retain an interest. As far as deadline day deals are concerned, this one could be a shrewd bit of business and not unrealistic either. One to keep an eye on, perhaps.
Bellerin and Maitland-Niles depart
It's quite nice to have a deadline day without having to worry about offloading several players. Arsenal have done a relatively good job of clearing out the squad this summer, with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles the only remaining names whose futures lie elsewhere.
Maitland-Niles appears to be the closest to the exit door out of the two after attracting interest from Southampton over a potential move that could be a loan with a view to buy, should the Gunners decide to trigger a one-year contract extension option that they possess, football.london understands.
For Bellerin, it would seem that a mutual termination of his contract is the most likely scenario at this stage. football.london understands the Spaniard is keen to secure a return to Real Betis, but the La Liga sides' financial struggles mean a deal is currently difficult to do. Barcelona have also been credited with an interest, though again, funds are believed to be limited.
What would you like to see Arsenal do on deadline day? Let us know in the comments section below or tweet me @cdavison_afc to get involved.
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