He's led the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity into one fighting for Premier League titles and who have just smashed Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League.
While much of this incredible turnaround has been down to the Spaniard's methods, tactics and philosophy, it has also been helped by his signings, like the club-record acquisition of Declan Rice.
Arsenal's last ten league finishes (timeless)
The £105m man, who was utterly sublime against Real Madrid, has arguably been Arteta's best signing since taking the job, but if recent reports are to be believed, he could be about to secure the services of another international star who'd be the best signing since the Englishman.
Arsenal transfer news
It's no secret that Arsenal's priority heading into the summer is to sign a new striker, and as things stand, one of the names most heavily touted for a move to the club is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
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The Swede is supposedly available for a fee as low as £58m, which may prove to be a bargain considering he's scored 44 goals and provided 11 assists in 44 games this season, but he's not the only target.
Another name constantly linked with the Gunners is RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who could be available for around £67m.
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko before taking a penalty
The Slovenian hasn't been as productive this season, racking up 25 goal involvements in 39 games, but is just 21 and playing in a top-five league.
However, there is another striker now supposedly high up on the Gunners' wishlist, someone who's an output machine and has plenty of experience in the toughest competitions: Lautaro Martinez.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Inter Milan forward is now one of the North Londoners' top targets.
In fact, the report has claimed that Arteta and Co are 'preparing an offer' for the Argentine, an offer which could be as much as €150m, which is about £129m.
Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez applauds their fans
It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Martinez's immense ability, one well worth fighting for, especially as he'd be Arsenal's best since Rice.
Why Martinez would be Arsenal's best signing since Rice
So, the first thing to say is that since Rice's arrival was announced in July 2023, Arsenal have made other impressive additions to the squad, like David Raya and even Mikel Merino, but it would be fair to say that none have had quite the impact he has.
Arsenal-Rice-Champions-League
For example, he's already made 94 appearances for the first team, scoring 14 goals, providing 18 assists, and helping transform the midfield as a six and then eight.
In short, removing him from the team would have a detrimental impact, so for a future signing to be the best since his arrival, they'd have to be pretty game-changing, which is just what Martinez would be.
Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez reacts
The clearest example of why he'd have such an impact on the team is his utterly stupendous level of output from the last few seasons.
For example, since moving to Inter Milan in July 2018, the World Cup-winning monster has scored a staggering 148 goals and provided 49 assists in just 323 appearances, totalling 22597 minutes.
Martinez's Inter record
Appearances
323
Starts
259
Minutes
22597'
Goals
148
Assists
49
Points per Game
2.08
Goal Involvements per Match
0.60
Minutes per Goal Involvement
114.70'
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That means the 27-year-old, whom renowned football podcaster Angelo Valdes described as "the best 9 in the world," has averaged a goal involvement every 1.63 games, or every 114.70 minutes, for almost seven years.
Just imagine that level of consistent output leading the line for Gunners with Bukayo Saka to his right and Martin Odegaard behind him; he'd transform their attack.
Ultimately, while it would cost an extraordinary amount of money, Arsenal should do what they can to bring Martinez to the Emirates this summer, as he'd be their best signing since Rice.
jude-bellingham-real-madrid
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