With all the talk surrounding the business that Arsenal are looking to do this summer, it has taken some of the gloss off the existing quality in the side. Even news that the club had secured the renewal of Gabriel Magalhaes on a new contract has pretty much dissipated completely.
In years gone by, losing their best players was almost a formality for Arsenal as they waved goodbye to the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Alexis Sanchez. Now the best want to stay because of where the club are.
It also means the club are in the market with some of the world's biggest clubs as they look to upgrade and strengthen key areas. David Ornstein was recently speaking on The Athletic YouTube channel and outlined that the club are after as many as three attacking options.
"Arsenal are focusing on a No.9, whether it will be Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres," Ornstein said. "They also want a top-quality wide player, I think ideally on the left side."
He added: "They would also like some back-up for Bukayo Saka on the right. That is why they targeted Bryan Mbeumo."
Rightfully, this then begs the question of what happens to some of the existing talent, particularly Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old made his major breakthrough with fellow youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly last season.
Where Lewis-Skelly established himself as the starting left-back, the task for Nwaneri was made that much tougher by the presence of Bukayo Saka. An injury to the England international made minutes easier to come by, but then he too suffered a hamstring issue, likely caused by the exposure to a high volume of senior minutes so quickly.
Some worry that a signing on the right would almost push out Nwaneri and truly limit his opportunities. In May, Arteta was asked why Nwaneri's exposure had dropped.
"There are moments where players are used more and less," Arteta said in his news conference ahead of a clash against Liverpool. "He's played a lot, probably more than anybody expected for sure.
"In the last few games, it's been because of the games and the context, we decided not to play him in those matches. It can change very quickly."
Despite being just 18, Nwaneri made 37 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last season. He scored nine goals and got two assists in what any player of his age at a club like the Gunners would be truly thrilled with.
Should Arsenal make three offensive signings, then Nwaneri need not worry. If his talent is as good as we all know it to be, he will play; if not, then that is the cycle of the sport. But with a player of his ability, my money would certainly be on the former.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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