Arsenal are still in the market for a left-back before the end of the transfer window, despite having made one signing and closing in on another.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta watches his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on September 28, 2020. (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta watches his players from the touchline on September 28, 2020. (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

On Friday, Arsenal announced the loan signing of Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan, and they’ve also been heavily linked with a loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard – described as ‘90% done’ by the ever-reliable David Ornstein.

Yet they might still be in the market for further incomings before deadline day.

Chris Wheatley reported on Friday morning that Arsenal were still in the market for a goalkeeper and a left-back before the window closes. The goalkeeper is now in, so perhaps a left-back is next.

However, there are some complications. At this point, Arsenal’s Europa League squad is already one non-homegrown player overstocked. If Odegaard joins, it’ll be two players overstocked.

Runar Alex Runarsson looks likely to leave on loan, but Arsenal would still have to sell or leave out one more player just to fit in Odegaard and Ryan, let alone a left-back signing.

As a result, Arsenal will almost certainly have to either sell/loan a player first or bring in a homegrown left-back instead. They don’t have room for a non-homegrown left-back without outgoings.

So despite two positive pieces of business looking likely this week, the club still have plenty to do between now and February 1st.