Will Arsenal actually sign a right-back in the summer?

The question over whether Arsenal need to sign a right-back in the summer transfer window is a simple yes or no one. Mikel Arteta currently has three at the club, with each fixture capable of seeing any one of them earn a starting spot.

Calum Chambers has come out of nowhere. Returning from a long-term injury to play in the Europa League obviously adds to the emergence, but in a conversation about performance, he’s making a strong claim for a starting berth.

Signed as a right-back and moved to central defence on occasion, the Englishman has also been utilised in midfield at Fulham, with the versatility factor always beneficial in the debate over whether someone is a worthwhile member of any given squad.

Battling his way back from injury but being unable to dislodge anyone in the starting lineup, all signs pointed towards a summer sale. Another homegrown player seemingly destined for the exit door, albeit expected at a decent price given his profile.

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Will Arsenal actually sign a right-back in the summer transfer window even if Hector Bellerin leaves?

Two solid outings against Burnley and West Ham have changed the scope of the conversation, with his deliveries into the box earning widespread praise just as they were used as another tool to criticise the other options at the boss’s disposal.

Alongside Chambers is Cedric Soares, who has been rewarded for some great form with a call-up to the Portugal national side, where he even registered an assist on his return to international duty. His performances fully merited his selection by Fernando Santos.

Then there is Hector Bellerin, who falls into the well-known bracket at Arsenal of being a divisive figure: is he terrible or is he just unfairly singled out? The latter point exists but coincides with an unmissable drop off.

Enjoying a fine patch of form earlier in the season, his performances have dipped. Mikel Arteta opted to leave him out of the squad entirely to face West Ham for reasons thought to be tactical. A summer departure feels inevitable for the long-serving defender. Thus, a replacement is needed.

Or is it?