Arsenal travel to Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight, knowing nothing less than victory will suffice if they want to maintain their grip at the Premier League summit heading into Christmas.
Mikel Arteta's side currently hold a slender two-point advantage over Man City with the festive period threatening to define their entire title challenge.
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Arsenal have won just one of their last seven away fixtures against the Toffees, with the old Goodison Park historically proving a difficult hunting ground.
Now facing David Moyes' men at their brand-new stadium, City could go top with victory over West Ham today, so nothing but a win will do.
Recent form offers mixed signals for the Gunners.
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They somehow scraped past rock-bottom side Wolves last weekend courtesy of late own-goals, and the performance raised serious questions about Arsenal's cutting edge.
Meanwhile, with the January transfer window fast approaching, many are wondering if Andrea Berta plans to be active on the recruitment front after spending nearly £270 million last summer.
According to recent reports, the possibility of an Arsenal signing next month hasn't been entirely ruled out amid their injury crisis, but it could also hinge on sales.
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The BBC reported in November that one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard leaving would open the door for Arsenal to sign a high-profile player next month.
Now, according to Turkish journalist Sercan Hamzaoglu, the former is being offered around ahead of a potential exit.
Arsenal to offer Gabriel Martinelli to Fenerbahce after sale decision
Hamzaoglu, writing via X, says the north Londoners have decided to sell Martinelli, with the Brazilian set to be offered to Turkish giants Fenerbahce during the January window.
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Whether Fenerbahce possess the financial muscle to complete such a deal remains to be seen.
Martinelli's market value sits considerably higher than typical Turkish league transfers, with Hamzaoglu calling him a 'costly player' for the club to consider.
The news comes as a surprise development given Martinelli's status as a semi-regular starter under Arteta this season, and one who's contributed in big games.
The 24-year-old has featured prominently on the left wing, scoring in every single Champions League match he's played so far, including strikes against European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid.
However, given Trossard's stellar form, and the fact both of their deals expire in 2027, Martinelli is debatably the more logical sacrifice to make room given his recent drop in performances.
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Arsenal's decision to sell Martinelli could stem from their desire to refresh their attacking options following the summer arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, with Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz believed to be of interest to Berta.
It could even be down to the fact Martinelli is out of contract in just 18 months, as Berta and co look to make as much money back off a potential sale as they can.
Either way, the former Ituano star's exit is now apparently one to watch.
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