Mikel Arteta had already moved to address one problem area over the summer, replacing the departed Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas, with Greek international Christos Tzolis, who has started Arsenal's last two friendlies.
But a further wide forward remained the priority, and the club had made a serious attempt to land Vinícius Júnior, coming close to an agreement on personal terms before the Brazilian ultimately opted to sign fresh terms at the Bernabéu until 2032 on Thursday, ending speculation over a future that had been in doubt with his previous deal just a year from expiry.
With that avenue closed, Arsenal are now assessing alternatives, with three names understood to be under consideration.
Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez is particularly admired by Arteta, though the Argentine has also been linked with Barcelona and looks likely to remain in Spain regardless of which of the two clubs wins out.
Bradley Barcola represents a second option, but Arsenal appear to be playing catch-up on that front, with Liverpool understood to be further along in discussions over personal terms and PSG's £130m valuation of the France international sitting above the Gunners' own valuation of the player.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who scored six goals for the Toffees last season and found the net against Iraq at this summer's World Cup, has also been considered, with the 26-year-old Senegal international previously linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League earlier in the window.
The winger search will resume in earnest once Arsenal's move for Bruno Guimarães is formally completed, with the £75m deal for the Newcastle midfielder set to reduce the club's reliance on Declan Rice and give Arteta one of the strongest midfields in the Premier League.
That business, once finalised, should free up focus and resources for Arteta to press ahead with his search for a new attacking option out wide.