Arsenal fans were given their first glimpse into how they will cope without Gabriel Jesus - and the signs were positive.
The Gunners will be without the Brazilian striker for a number of months after suffering a knee injury at the World Cup. He has now gone under the knife and will be out for a huge chunk of the remainder of the season.
And manager Mikel Arteta has hinted the setback could force the Premier League leaders into the transfer market when the window opens next month. "We look at the squad and see what the options we have our with the players we have available. There are things we can try, we have the need to do so,” he explained.
With that in mind, Mirror Football takes a look at the last Arsenal transfer rumours, starting with a cheeky ploy to land Memphis Depay.
Arsenal hoping not Depay a lot
Depay may have struggled in his first stint in the Premier League, but that seemingly hasn’t deterred detractors from bringing him back to the English to flight. Tuttojuve report that the Gunners have joined the race for the Netherlands international, with the 28-year-old’s Barcelona contract expiring at the end of the season.
Depay will be able to discuss pre-contract agreements with the forward from January 1, but the Italian outlet suggest that Arsenal will try to step ahead of their rivals by lodging a low offer next month.
Whether that would be acceptable for the Blaugrana is in doubt however. Barca sporting director Jordi Cruyff recently stated there was no need to sell Depay in January, with their hands financially tied when it comes to replacing him.
Cruyff said: "Why should we sell Depay in January if it’s difficult to sign new players because of Financial Fair Play? He's always been a great professional. He can be really helpful."
Sane deal off the table
Bayern Munich have no intention of selling Leroy Sane, with reports claiming the strongest possibility is that he will extend his stay in the Bundesliga. The 26-year-old returned to Germany from Manchester City in 2020, but has flattered to deceive in his first two-and-a-half seasons at The Allianz.
Speculation has previously touted the Gunners as a potential suitor for the versatile forward, with reports that an enquiry was lodged earlier this year. It has been claimed he is ‘considering his options’ at the German giants, but Bayern are ready to put their foot down.
BILD’s Christian Falk via Football.London said that talks between Sane and his current employers were expected to commence very soon, with Arsenal’s interest played down significantly.
Kante makes his pick
While signing an attacker is likely Arteta’s top priority, bringing in a combative midfielder to ease the burden on Thomas Partey is also needed. N’Golo Kante - no longer the all conquering presence in his earlier years - would still provide much-needed steel.
The Frenchman’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain with his contract expiring next summer. Arsenal are said to be in the mix, but Sport claim his heart is set on a move to Barcelona.
They report contact was made with Kante last summer and that if recovery from his hamstring injury goes as planned, a deal could be closed next month.
