Arsenal went five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday. Captain Martin Odegaard's brace was enough to secure a 2-0 win at Molineux and the three points mean that the Gunners will be in pole position at Christmas for the first time since 2007.
Although Arsenal are arguably the one club that won't exactly benefit from the league coming to a six-week halt as a result of the World Cup, Mikel Arteta will be happy about how things have gone so far.
The Gunners need to add depth to their squad in January if they're going to continue their fine form, but they'll also be planning for who could arrive next summer as a statement signing.
READ MORE: Full list of Arsenal transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Edu scouting mission
With that in mind, let's take a look at who Arsenal could monitor at the World Cup with a view to potentially signing them on a free come July 1.
Youri Tielemans
Tielemans will be available on a free transfer next summer but with Arsenal keen to add midfielders to their ranks in January, they may wish to test Leicester's patience with an early bid. They've been linked with a move for the Belgian star for some time, but have never acted on that interest. If they do wait it out, though, he'll be an excellent summer arrival.
Ilkay Gundogan
The signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko suggest that another raid of Manchester City is on the cards in the future. One star who could be on his way out of the club is Gundogan. Although he's older than the other two, he could provide valuable experience in the midfield.
Marco Asensio
Asensio's agent Jorge Mendes was reportedly testing the waters for potential suitors a couple of months back. Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the Spaniard's signature but have so far failed to act on their reported interest.
Dani Ceballos
Ceballos spent two years on loan at the Emirates, helping them to win the FA Cup for a record 14th time. Although he was often inconsistent, the Spaniard was trusted under Arteta and on a Bosman move, it wouldn't be the worst transfer to ever happen. That being said, there have been reports recently that have suggested that Real Madrid are ready to offer him a new deal.
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