Arsenal look set to go the distance as they fight it out for a Premier League title, though they may now need to fend off interest from Barcelona in captain Martin Ødegaard.
The Gunners made some bold moves in the summer to drastically improve their squad depth, though Mikel Arteta has still had his fair share of injury frustration to contend with.
Nevertheless, good news is in the post for the Arsenal boss after he confirmed Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Ødegaard could be set to return before the North London derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur on the other side of the international break.
Martin-Odegaard-Arsenal-West-Ham
Norway international Ødegaard's injury problems have been frequent over the last few years, forcing the Spaniard into a tactical rethink, with Eberechi Eze featuring as a right-sided midfielder at times despite being a central player by trade.
Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice offer plenty of control in the engine room, which will prompt many to kickstart conversations over the direction Arteta's side are heading.
Should the Gunners maintain their Premier League form, they will be on course to claim a first title since 2004. Momentum is likely to carry them through that pursuit, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see as few changes made as possible domestically to ensure there is continuity in roles across the pitch.
That could be bad news for Ødegaard, who may take time to get up to speed after his injury, and he could now have a totally different proposition to factor in as he navigates a potentially momentous campaign.
Arsenal set monster demand amid Barcelona interest in Ødegaard
According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are looking to convince Martin Ødegaard to leave Arsenal, though
Andrea Berta is set to demand a 'significant' sum that could squeeze La Blaugrana's transfer and wage budget.
Labelled "phenomenal" by Arteta, the 26-year-old is viewed as someone who could revolutionise the La Liga giants' midfield, which isn't surprising due to his contribution of 41 goals and 40 assists in 205 appearances for the North Londoners.
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, David Raya, Myles Lewis-Skelly and William Saliba walk out onto the pitch
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, David Raya, Myles Lewis-Skelly and William Saliba walk out onto the pitch
Barcelona will need to weigh up where else they can spend and, as a result, are most likely to try and sign the former Real Madrid prodigy in the summer of 2026, given they have no intention of dipping into the January window for reinforcements.
Convincing Ødegaard to move back to La Liga will be difficult, though the player is aware that his career could be in need of a next step later down the line, making for an intriguing potential saga.
Arsenal's next Martin Odegaard could already be at the club
Either way, Berta has the bit between his teeth on this one and if the Gunners' captain is eventually allowed to leave the club, he will go for an absolute premium.