Arsenal are now reportedly tracking one of Europe's leading young talents in an attempt to hijack Chelsea's move and deal their Premier League rivals a frustrating blow.
Whilst Arsenal will have been disappointed to see their clean sheet streak go against Sunderland as well as their recent winning run in a last-gasp 2-2 draw, they have plenty of reason to be positive.
Heading into the November international break, the Gunners sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League and on course to end their wait for glory under Mikel Arteta.
They're doing it their way, too. Arteta is no longer simply a disciple to Pep Guardiola. His Arsenal side are far more pragmatic and could have one of the best defensive records that English football has ever seen come May. Meanwhile, in what is a reflection of Premier League football in 2025, Arsenal are benefitting from their position as set piece kings.
When you're on top, however, it's all about staying there and it's no surprise that Andrea Berta is already eyeing potential incomings as a result. The champions-elect are reportedly interested in signing Malick Fofana from Lyon in an attempt to strengthen their left-hand side.
Both Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have competed for the role this season but with the former becoming inconsistent and the latter now 30 years old, there's certainly room for another option to arrive.
Reports have even claimed that Arsenal are leading the race to sign Fofana ahead of 2026 in what would be another intelligent move from new sporting director Berta.
After Fofana, he may still welcome other options too. The Gunners have also been linked with a move to sign an impressive attacking midfielder ahead of Chelsea.
Arsenal eyeing Nico Paz hijack
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now tracking Nico Paz in what could see them hijack Chelsea's move in unexpected fashion. The Como attacker is one of the best young players in European football and has attracted interest from the Premier League as well as Inter Milan as a result.
So long as Real Madrid don't trigger their bargain buy-back options worth less than £10m in the next two years then the race to sign the 21-year-old will swing wide open. And that's when Arsenal could swoop in.
Como's Nico Paz in action with Juventus' Manuel Locatelli
Como's Nico Paz in action with Juventus' Manuel Locatelli
If the Gunners are looking to find out more about the Argentine, meanwhile, then all they have to do is ask Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal midfielder is currently the manager of Como and has benefitted more than most from Paz's brilliance.
“He’s a special player and he must be free to express himself,” Fabregas said at a post-match press conference. "We must not make him robotic."
With four goals and four assists in 12 games this season, the former Real Madrid star is undoubtedly the standout player under Fabregas, who could now make up for his transfer antics as a player by answering Arsenal's potential call about his midfield sensation.
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