Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar, although in the just-concluded summer transfer window, the rumours were not as constant.
The France international is now into the final two years of his contract the Groupama Stadium and reportedly has no intentions of agreeing an extension on his stay.
This means Lyon could be looking to offload him soon, either in January, or next summer, in order to receive something in the way of a transfer fee for his services.
The Gunners and their north London rivals Tottenham will inevitably be linked if Aouar does become available as expected, but Mikel Arteta might not need to take the gamble if the price does not suit the club.
Arsenal recently completed the permanent signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, with the Norway captain joining for around £30million.
Odegaard spent the second half of last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium, where he impressed despite making just three direct goal contributions in the Premier League.
There is absolutely no doubting the 22-year-old's talent and technical ability and if he can start scoring and assisting on a more frequent basis then Arsenal could have their next 'number 10' for the foreseeable future.
Former Gunners man Perry Groves compared Odegaard to former club favourite Mesut Ozil - who, in his prime, was virtually unplayable at the Emirates.
“When I watched him play I could tell he had a lot of talent but he reminded me of a younger version of Mesut Ozil because he didn’t get a grip of the game enough,” Groves told talkSPORT.
“Ozil had so much talent and when he fancied it, he was one of the best players in the Premier League. He didn’t do it on a regular basis and didn’t dominate the way he should.
“If you’re playing in the No.10 role you’ve got to do better from Odegaard’s point of view than one goal and one assist.
“You’ve got to contribute more in a side that usually dominates possession.
"Emile Smith Rowe can play in that position as well and he’ll give you more on the ball and off it – so it didn’t surprise me at all.”
If Odegaard cannot "dominate", like Groves said, for the remainder of the season, then it may force Arsenal into the transfer market next summer. With Aouar then likely to have 12 months remaining on his contract at Lyon, there could be a bargain deal to strike.
