It's fair to say that Arsenal are making this Champions League lark look rather straightforward, as Mikel Arteta's depleted side breezed past Club Brugge on Wednesday night.
Even while forced to resort to deploying Christian Norgaard at centre-back, the Gunners still secured a fifth clean sheet from six outings in this year's edition, having conceded just once to date.
David Raya, as ever, was almost impenetrable in the sticks away in Belgium, although the major talking point was the away side's attacking flair, as summer signing Noni Madueke notched a brace in stunning fashion.
Martinelli goals per season Arsenal (timeless)
On the opposite flank too, Gabriel Martinelli maintained his rampant Champions League form with his fifth goal on what was just his third start in the competition in 2025/26, cutting in onto his right foot before unleashing an exquisite effort into the far corner.
The Brazilian is leading the charge in Europe, albeit while having scored just once back in Premier League action, yet to truly nail down that left-sided berth.
Hopes of finally becoming a regular fixture on that flank will only be hampered further if the north London side are to do business in January...
Latest on Arsenal's search for a left winger
While Martinelli has dazzled in midweek action, Leandro Trossard remains the go-to man domestically, netting four times - alongside providing three assists - in the Premier League.
Calafiori-Trossard-Arsenal
It wasn't too long ago that the 31-year-old Belgian looked destined to depart over the summer, however, while with his newly-signed deal still set to expire in 2027, he hardly represents a long-term solution.
Indeed, with Eberechi Eze also looking somewhat lost in that role in the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, a new addition still appears to be on the agenda heading into 2026.
According to Caught Offside, one of the targets who is 'most high up on Arsenal’s list' is AC Milan sensation, Rafael Leao, with the Portugal international viewed as a 'long-term target' in attack.
The reports suggests that despite Viktor Gyokeres' initial teething problems, there is no desire at the Emirates to sign another striker, with a more versatile figure, like Leao, being prioritised instead.
While no price tag is mentioned in relation to the 26-year-old, it was reported by the same outlet last month that the Serie A side would be looking for a figure in the region of €85m (£75m), were they to cash in.
Why 'Henry 2.0' could spell bad news for Martinelli
Martinelli's glorious effort in Brugge, to maintain his Champions League hot streak, has showcased just what he can do when at his best, having notably secured a valuable point against Manchester City earlier in the campaign.
There is a wow factor about the long-serving talent, although that nagging sense of inconsistency has yet to be shaken off, with the 24-year-old registering just a solitary goal involvement from 11 league appearances to date.
A true upgrade, unfortunately, is needed in that department, with Leao seemingly the perfect fit, with ex-Milan boss Stefano Pioli previously suggesting that he reminds him of an "early Thierry Henry", due to his knack for drifting inside from his wide role.
rafael-leao-ac-milan
Indeed, like Arsenal's beloved Frenchman, there is an effortlessness to Leao's game, with the former Lille man able to glide his way up the pitch in that left channel, while possessing the end product to boot.
While not quite at his scintillating best this season, the £75m man has still enjoyed a far superior record to Martinelli in league action, scoring five goals from his ten Serie A appearances, while chipping in with one assist.
Top-scoring LWs - 25/26*
Player
Luis Diaz
Yan Diomande
Said El Mala
Alberto Moleiro
Sofian Diop
Vini Jr.
Kenan Yildiz
Rafael Leao
Bradley Barcola...
*Europe's top 5 leagues
Stats via Transfermarkt
That record, as per Sofascore, has also seen him create five 'big chances', while averaging 0.5 successful dribbles per game.
For comparison, Martinelli is yet to create a single 'big chance', while averaging just 0.2 for that latter metric in the Premier League.
Leao's greater prowess when it comes to driving his side up the pitch is also seen in how he edges the Arsenal man with regard to both progressive carries (4.29 v 4.07) and successful take-ons (1.75 vs 1.36) per 90 across the last 365 days, as per FBref, ensuring he could represent an even more menacing attacking weapon for Arteta to wield.
In all, the Portuguese's 272 games at San Siro have yielded 76 goals and 63 assists, as per Transfermart, while in the case of Martinelli, his 242 appearances in all competitions have seen him chip in with just 57 goals and 30 assists.
AC Milan's Rafael Leao celebrates scoring their second goal
An Henry-esque talent, who is already proven in one of Europe's top five leagues, Leao surely represents the left-wing upgrade that the Gunners have long been crying out for.
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