While it's impossible to deny that for large parts of this season, Arsenal haven't performed to the standards they've set in previous years, they have also been quite unlucky regarding injuries.
Specifically, in late December, Mikel Arteta lost his best player and talisman to a severe hamstring injury that kept him out of the side for almost four months: Bukayo Saka.
The best way to demonstrate what a difference having the Hale Ender in the side could have made in that period is to look at his outrageous output, as despite missing so much football this season, he's still managed to score 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 33 games, at an average of a goal involvement every 1.32 games.
Saka-arsenal-premier-league
So, with the Englishman unquestionably being the Gunners' most important player, it would make sense to sign players who would make great teammates for him, which, based on recent reports, seems to be the opinion of Andrea Berta and Co.
Arsenal transfer news
Before we get to the player in question, it is worth looking at some of the other stars Arsenal are looking at who could help Saka reach that next level by improving the left-hand side, such as Jamie Gittens and Raphinha.
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The former has recently popped up as a target for the Gunners and could be available for around £51m, which for a youngster who's scored at the Bernabeu and has racked up a haul of 17 goal involvements this season and could prove a worthwhile investment.
Likewise, while the reported price tag of £77m for the Barcelona star is indeed steep, he would undoubtedly be worth it, as in just 52 games this season, he has managed to rack up an unreal haul of 57 goal involvements.
Raphinha-Barcelona
Yet, what would likely help Saka more than anything else is signing a new striker, which is where Liam Delap enters the fray.
According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are now incredibly interested in the Ipswich Town striker, with Andrea Berta particularly keen.
Furthermore, it's moved beyond just an interest, with the report revealing that the club have now made an offer for the Englishman, who has a £30m release clause in his deal following the confirmation of the Tractor Boys' relegation.
He might not be the biggest of names, but given how well he's performed this season and his potential, Delap is someone worth signing, especially as he'd be a dream for Saka.
Why Delap would be a dream for Saka
Now, there are a few reasons why Delap would be a dream signing for Saka this summer, but they ultimately boil down to his ability in front of goal, as the Arsenal winger would surely thrive with a more clinical striker to his left.
liam delap ipswich town
We feel comfortable calling the Englishman more clinical than the Gunners' current options up top, as it's a statement more than backed up by the numbers.
For example, Understat has worked out that his 12 league goals this season have come from an expected goals figure of just 11.85, which, in other words, means he's actually outperforming his underlying numbers.
Delap vs Havertz vs Jesus
Players
Delap
Havertz
Jesus
All Stats via Understat
In contrast, prior to his injury, Kai Havertz scored his nine league goals from an expected goals figure of 11.76, and Gabriel Jesus scored his three goals from an expected figure of 3.38.
On top of being better at putting away his chances, of which he'd be provided plenty from the Hale Ender, the 22-year-old marksman is more than capable of creating his own chances.
For example, FBref places the "complete" forward, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, in the top 8% of forwards in Europe's top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 9% for shot-creating actions from successful take-ons, the top 10 % for carries into the final third and more, all per 90.
So not only would he help boost the Arsenal ace's assist tally, but the attacking "monster" - in the words of Ipswich podcast Mark Heath - would almost certainly boost his goal output as well.
liam delap
Ultimately, from price to goals and his ability to get the ball into dangerous areas, Delap seems like an ideal signing for Arsenal and, just as importantly, someone who'd be a sensational teammate for Saka.
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The £100m-rated star would be a game-changer for Arsenal.