Ex- Arsenal star Martin Keown has told Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to secure the signature of Wolves winger Adama Traore before rivals Tottenham Hotspur do.
Spurs have long held an interest in the Spain international and the interest from Antonio Conte's side appears to have grown stronger in recent weeks as the Italian recognises the need for reinforcements.
Wolves are thought to be willing to part ways with Traore as soon as their £20m valuation is met from either north London outfit, given the Barcelona academy prospect has just 18 months left to run on his deal at the Molineux.
Arsenal have more pressing areas they need to address this window, with glaring holes in their central midfield and a replacement required for at least one of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah given both are expected to leave come the end of the season.
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However, Keown believes that despite this Arsenal should still look to beat their neighbours to the signing of Traore this month.
"I feel Traore is awesome at times and just for once, we have the satisfaction of seeing it," the former Arsenal centre-back told BBC Final Score.
"It’s a lovely finish from him. I’d sign him if I was a manager. Arsenal – get in and buy him."
Arsenal were the Premier League's biggest spenders in the summer and it remains unclear whether the club's purse strings will stretch so far as to allow them to do it again this month.
The Gunners were thought to be hoping to cash in on exiled former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but his Emirates departure may be put on hold after he will return from the Africa Cup of Nations having not kicked a ball for Gabon.
After contracting Covid-19 on the eve of the tournament, Aubameyang has been the subject of medical tests to determine whether he was in a fit state to play.
The same tests discovered cardiac lesions which ensured the 32-year-old has been sent home to England for further tests at Arsenal's London Colney training base.
Arsenal's main transfer focus appears to be on Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic who is likely to cost the Gunners at least treble what they would have to pay for Traore.
Arteta already has a wealth of wide-attacking options on either flank, with Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe able to contribute from the left while club record-signing Nicolas Pepe deputises for Bukayo Saka on the right.
Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, though his arrival is expected to come in the form of a short loan deal for the remainder of the season.
