Antonio Conte finds himself in a similar position this month as he was left in over the summer. Having completed a host of key first team signings early in the window - Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet and Ivan Perisic - there was room for some different targets for the rest of the summer.
Spurs turned to another attacking midfielder to bolster the support from deep but couldn't secure Nicolo Zaniolo or James Maddison, their primary options. It left Conte slightly short-changed in areas of the field, especially after a host of late loan deals away saw Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Harry Winks and Joe Rodon all leave.
Although these players hadn't made much impact under the Italian they are nevertheless useful squad players and Conte explained towards deadline day in August that incomings would be needed if players went the other way. He said, "We're okay. But if someone goes away, for sure another player has to come. Especially if some players want to go to play regularly."
READ MORE: Edu has already hinted at Arsenal making second Raphinha move amid Barcelona transfer decision
Tottenham may have also looked to get rid of several more players, namely a possible loan away from Byran Gil or more potently an exit for one of their many wingback options on the right. Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal were given added competition from Djed Spence but none of the choices have jumped off the page for Conte.
He has switched and swapped around, largely leaving Spence on the sidelines, and has also turned to Ivan Perisic on that side too. Conte admitted previously that keeping unhappy players isn't the goal but having replacements is vital to moves being completed.
"It's difficult to keep them here. But at the same time, it has to be very clear that if a player wants to go play, I have to replace this player," he said. "This is very important. We need to have a squad capable to face a lot of games until November. This is very important for me."
Conte got through that period and is now looking at Pedro Porro as a player to improve the short-term and long-term quality at wingback. The issue is, according to The Evening Standard, that Doherty and Royal are both now happy to remain at the club. Two right-sided wingbacks would normally be enough, with Spence it's three, Perisic is a fourth option and Porro would be a staggering and unnecessary fifth.
This makes it hard for talks to be started for Porro and once again Conte may well be waiting on the outgoings before he can start to think about those who could be used as replacements.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal could be set for transfer windfall if £35m star completes Premier League return
Shakhtar Donetsk chief spotted with Mykhaylo Mudryk as Arsenal close in on £88m transfer
Arsenal face double suspension risk with William Saliba and Bukayo Saka for Tottenham clash
Arsenal transfer news: Mykhaylo Mudryk latest as Mikel Arteta sends Edu striker plea
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
