Arsenal might well be looking to reinforce, especially with the needs the team have in many different positions, however, there is yet the possibility players could leave. It may be that some are kept until the summer, but the unpredictability of the window means nothing can be ruled out.

This comes as Thomas Partey is a target of Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo. Barcelona are looking for market opportunities as both the Ghanaian midfielder and Jonathan Tah could sign pre-contract agreements with clubs outside of their domestic league.

If indeed there is a chance Partey might leave on a free, perhaps it could encourage clubs to look to test the Gunners’ resolve with a monetary offer this winter. Partey offers Arsenal quality in the midfield that they will not want to lose mid-season.

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Unless, of course, they can find a player to replace Partey. There is a need to find a long-term solution for the midfield that is also due to lose Jorginho when the Italian’s contract also reaches its conclusion in June.

Arsenal do have some exciting young players who are coming through. Myles Lewis-Skelly may have broken into the side at left-back, but he is a central midfielder first and that technical ability has been shown in how he inverts from the left full-back role.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Max Dowman, who turns 15 on New Year’s Eve, is also very highly regarded. He has broken into the under-21s side this season and made a full step up to the under-18s whilst also training regularly with the senior side under Arteta.

That said, with two senior figures moving on, leaving just Declan Rice and Mikel Merino as central midfield options would be incredibly risky. It is not something Arsenal can afford not to address this forthcoming summer at the very latest.

Knowing the outcome of Partey’s future as soon as possible will only be beneficial to the club as they look to plan out their squad overhaul. The Gunners remain in need of a new sporting director following the resignation of Edu Gaspar.

The Brazilian was behind the signing of Partey alongside Mikel Arteta. Whether interim director Jason Ayto steps into the position full time or an external candidate takes over, a new era of Arsenal’s recruitment is about to commence with the midfield and forward line a priority to address.