Arsenal have no intention of cutting short Raheem Sterling's loan deal - but are reviewing their options with Premier League rules limiting their recruitment.
The Chelsea man made a deadline day move across London to the Emirates when it became clear he wasn't part of Enzo Maresca's plans. Mikel Arteta had worked with Sterling during their time at Manchester City and chose to add to his attacking resources.
Sterling though has been a peripheral figure and his minutes remain limited. He's not been able to enjoy regular outings and there has been talk of both parties cutting the agreement early. Arsenal have no plans to do that, but they cannot secure anymore domestic loan deals.
Premier League rules state they can only have two players on loan from domestic rivals and Sterling was joined by Neto, the Bournemouth goalkeeper, who will also spend the year at the Emirates. The latter's loan deal is likely to be revisited if a new opportunity arises.
Arsenal are keeping their options open and, especially in attack, may want to bring in new faces. Neto would be the man sacrificed if a loan deal arose that they couldn't turn down.
Arteta has chosen to shoulder the blame for Sterling's situation. The Chelsea outcast has scored just once in 11 outings, that goal coming in the Carabao Cup, with his opportunities largely coming from the bench rather than as a starter.
The Arsenal boss said: "I would like to see him more to be fair and this is down to me. He's trying his best. His application and commitment around the team has been exceptional and now it's time for me to give him more minutes. That's the intention. That's why I put him on against Forest, that's why I wanted to put him on against Sporting, now getting into that rhythm because he can really impact the team as well."
Sterling was dealt a shock in the summer when it emerged the new Chelsea manager didn't have plans to use him. He was left out of the matchday squad for the season opener despite being used throughout pre-season. A resolution on his future was quickly sought.
At the Emirates he has remained behind Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order. He can play centrally as well as outwide, but has been unable to make himself a regular with Arsenal seeking more firepower this month.