Arsenal can finally replace Gabriel Martinelli with Edu Gaspar parting transfer gift

It isn't clear whether Arsenal will dip in the transfer market when the window opens in January. Despite spending big in the last three years, the Gunners are yet to get their hands on the Premier League title.

Manchester City's unbelievable levels of performance has meant Mikel Arteta's men have fallen second best in each of the last two seasons. This year, though, the champions are nowhere near their best meaning there's an opportunity for a new name on the trophy.

However, Arsenal have lacked the same pedigree that saw them tussle with City and Liverpool have replaced them. Arne Slot has arrived at Anfield with a plan and is currently leading the Premier League.

The Gunners have lost two league games already this season after 11 matches, it took 16 to lose twice last season. They also drew four games meaning they have only managed five Premier League wins.

Calls for movement in the transfer window have grown louder over the last month with a new striker urged. However, depending how you assess the quality of Arteta's options, the calibre out wide has let Arsenal down.

Star player Bukayo Saka has scored only four goals this season and Gabriel Martinelli has scored one less, despite playing two more games. Leandro Trossard has been quiet too, two goals, and Raheem Sterling's loan move from Chelsea hasn't materialised as well as many hoped for.

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Signing world-class wingers is difficult. Saka came through the academy and Martinelli was snapped up from Brazil before taking time to develop. But now that Arsenal are one of the big boys in football again, they have the pick of many ready-made stars waiting for the next step.

One of them is Villarreal's Alex Baena. The 23-year-old is attracting attention with his performances for the Yellow Submarines and is now a regular for Spain. Baena has scored 20 goals and assisted a further 35 for Villarreal and according to reports, the first steps have been taken to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

FootballTransfers have reported that the Gunners sent scouts to watch him in action for Spain against Denmark during the international break. Baena has a £50m release clause in his contract in Spain and reports insist that Arsenal consider him a valuable target.

Baena's preferred position is on the left wing but is capable of playing on the right or as a No.10. Arsenal have previously splashed the cash on La Liga players having paid £31.5million to bring Mikel Merino to north London.

A move in January, at £50m, may be controversial. But with Edu Gaspar departing from his role at the club, the Brazilian could leave with the perfect parting gift.