When backed against the wall, the only way to defend oneself is to come out swinging. If Wenger is to lose Alexis to a rival, whether that be home or abroad, then Arsenal should target a similar player at a club just outside the elite.

Players wish to play in the Champions League. However, ultimately, money talks. If Wenger believes there is a player outside of Barcelona and Real Madrid who would offset Alexis’ departure, then Arsenal should pursue him.

Juventus, although Champions League finalists on two occasions in the last few years, are not immune to losing star players. They consigned themselves to losing Pogba a year ago and who is to say that they would not accept a substantial bid for another star player.

The Argentinian Dybala has long excited those in Italian football. Allegri, has pushed Dybala to a wide position in order to utilise Dani Alves predilection for marauding forward to try and recreate the relationship he once had with Messi. Dybala can dribble, pass, commit players and score vital goals. He is as close to a Messi-replica as you are likely to see in this generation. It would take him time to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League but at the age of 23 he would have plenty of time to do so.

Alternatively, Wenger could look to strengthen the team’s goal output at centre forward to compensate for a lack of creativity. One potential target could be Dortmund goal machine: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon forward scored an astonishing 31 goals in 31 appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season. He is lethal in front of goal with a shot accuracy of 63% according to Squawka. His relentless pressing and pace would modify how Arsenal play and perhaps give Özil a new leaf of life. He would cost an astronomical price but he would be worth it.

Next chapter:
4. Revert to a two-man forward line