Arsenal keep tabs on Villarreal midfielder Álex Baena

Things are starting to look good for the Gunners this season. Finally, after years of lacklustre league performances and disappointing results, they seem to have got their act together – mainly due to the meticulous work of manager Mikel Arteta. The young Spanish manager seems to have picked up a lot of positives and quality experience during his tutelage under legendary manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Some of the players he has brought in have started to make massive impacts at the Emirates, and Arteta seems to be having them firing on all cylinders in this campaign, with them sitting top of the league after seven games. It may be too early to gauge how good this Arsenal squad is, but they already seem streets ahead of the makeshift teams of other managers’ players over the past few seasons. If you want to place a wager on Arsenal's chances this season, finding bookmakers online is easy, and there are plenty of outrights you can take a look at. New betting sites offer the chance to explore these markets and find the ideal price for your bet online.

Arteta has brought some of the league's finest players to Arsenal this season. Gabriel Jesus was brought in from Manchester City in the summer and has already netted four times in his opening seven appearances. He is only just getting started, though and is aiming high, looking to mix with the best strikers in Arsenal's illustrious history.

Another addition from Manchester City was Ukrainian captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, who hasn't quite hit the ground running as Jesus has. Still, he has provided strength and experience, and has lifted the Premier League several times. Arteta will rely on his experience to bolster the squad and provide a level head in the biggest games to ensure they stand the best chance.

Martin Ødegaard was initially brought in on loan but has proved himself worthy to be the first name on the team sheet. The young Norwegian has always been a precocious talent and needed a fresh start away from Real Madrid to show what he was truly made of; he has done that emphatically and now dons the armband for Mikel's Gunners.

Ben White initially drew some criticism but has begun to show his worth in the Arsenal setup. Several Arsenal fans believe his mistreatment was due to his large price tag after his transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion. He is a young player who is starting to shine and is now a rock at the heart of the Gunners' defence. After earning his first England call-up, he is brimming with confidence and will hope to be on the plane going to the World Cup later this year.

This points to Arteta building an Arsenal squad that can compete with the best. It may have taken longer than many Arsenal fans would have liked, since the departure of Arsène Wenger, but step by step, it looks like it is starting to happen. 

Arteta has laid the foundation for his side and set out a vision that looks like it is starting to reap rewards. He will surely be considering who he can bring in next to further push Arsenal to challenge for the top three places in the league and even potentially break the duopoly that Liverpool and Manchester City have held domestically for the past three or four years.

Alex Baena is potentially another addition who could drive Arsenal toward the top domestic honours in the coming years. The young Villareal winger has represented Spain at every youth level but hasn't yet got his first full international cap. At the tender age of 21 and putting in some of the impressive performances, though, it's only a matter of time. With a reported price tag of 30 million euros, Arsenal will want to ensure they are getting value for money and may want to hold back for a season.

If any approach is made, Arteta will want to get his foot in the door before his price tag increases, as there is rumoured interest from other big European clubs. However, as Baena hasn't yet played for Spain's full national team, Arsenal may want to sit on the sidelines for now and take notes.

If they decide to approach, it's hard to imagine a scenario where this interest will not turn Baena's head, especially if the Gunners continue their ferocious form, keeping ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham and continuing to impress in the Premier League.