Emery and PSV tell Arteta exactly what Arsenal need to take them to the title

At the weekend, Arsenal lost against Aston Villa despite the fact they created a whole host of chances which could and should have been scored to secure a major win in the west midlands. Gabriel Martinelli featured heavily in the game but could not affect the game and lacked the cutting edge in the final third and was substituted.

Despite that, it was clear Nelson remains significantly lower down the pecking order to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martinelli. Villa meanwhile brought on Moussa Diaby for Leon Bailly and the Frenchman set up Ollie Watkins for a massive chance which he failed to take advantage of.

I used to scroll to the injury history of transfer targets but whether there is a history or not, players seem to pick things up at this club to the point where I simply have stopped letting it affect my assessment of them as viable options. And that certainly applies here, Neto would be a serious addition to this team.

Perhaps a more left-field option is Nico Gonzalez of Fiorentina. Nine goals from 18 games already this season sees him on course to break the 14 he got across the previous campaign.

A right winger with a left foot, an Argentine international and still only 25 years of age, he would fall into the category of forwards who could provide strong depth to Bukayo Saka. That said, Arteta has been reluctant to turn to the club’s past of investing heavily on imports.

Yet, the point stands that no matter who they might search for, the need is there. With less than a month to go, little time remains before the plan needs to be put into action this winter to bring the depth the Gunners need to effectively sustain their title charge.