If Mikel Arteta needed any evidence as to what position Arsenal need to strengthen in then Saturday's defeat to Southampton at St Mary's certainly showed where the Gunners are lacking.
Technical director Edu witnessed the FA Cup defeat alongside chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and quite simply the loan signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid can't come soon enough.
Willian started the match at no.10 and it's clear that he can't play there. The former Chelsea man got into decent positions but his link-up play with Nicolas Pepe was non-existent.
"I don’t know.," said Arteta when asked about an update on the Odegaard transfer.
"Obviously we played today. Since last night I don’t have any news. Probably I will get a few phone calls today and see where we are with every deal."
Arsenal have ten games coming up in the next month and the congested fixture schedule mean that they'll have to rotate in order to keep players fresh and injury-free.
Indeed, the arrival of Odegaard won't solve the Gunners' immediate issues as he may require a couple of games to adapt to the tempo of English football, but his creativity ability will at least bolster Arsenal in a department where they've struggled all season.
The own goal from Gabriel was another disappointment and his overall defensive display left much to be admired, while Eddie Nketiah had the best chance of the game but Fraser Forster saved well from the youngster.
Southampton are tactically well-drilled and never looked like being threatened, other than a couple of chances either side of the break.
Odegaard is a name who will excite Arsenal fans and who may have not lived up to expectation at Real Madrid, but will certainly be desperate to prove himself in the Premier League.
The defeat also showed that Arsenal need to strengthen in the left-back department, having ended the game with Saka in that position.
Saints defender Ryan Bertrand has been linked and it's clear the Gunners need someone with Premier League experience to fill in there when Kieran Tierney needs a rest.
It's going to be a busy few days for Edu and his recruitment team.
