Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he is looking to sign a new left-back before the January transfer window shuts on Monday evening.
Arsenal's lack of depth in the position has been exposed in the past week, with Kieran Tierney missing three consecutive matches and Cedric, naturally a right-back, filling in during his absence.
While the Portuguese defender has impressed in his unnatural role, Arsenal need more natural options in the position.
Last season, the Gunners turned to Bukayo Saka, who has grown in importance in the final third this term, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is pushing for a loan exit to secure playing time ahead of England's European Championship campaign this summer.
For those reasons, Arsenal's need for a left-sided full-back has intensified but the Premier League's squad regulations leaves Arteta with a problem.
The signing of Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton saw the Gunners' quota for foreign players in the league maxed out, with a departure now necessary ahead of deadline day to register Martin Odegaard in the squad.
Arsenal are in negotiations with Shkodran Mustafi regarding a termination of his contract six months early, while Runar Alex Runarsson has been linked with a loan departure.
With Arteta already facing a selection issue with his squad, Arsenal need to ensure that any further arrivals do not add to their issues and are reportedly eyeing a move for Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt.
Fortunately, Van Aanholt, despite being a Netherlands international, is eligible as a homegrown player - which he has been registered as on Crystal Palace's squad this season.
This is because he joined Chelsea at the age of 17 and has lived in the UK ever since, excluding a two-year loan stint with Vitesse Arnhem.
