Arsenal: Riyad Mahrez addition hints at either calamity or change

Arsenal are inching towards the signing of Riyad Mahrez. Mahrez’s addition, though, hints at a calamity for Alexis Sanchez or a tactical change from Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal are seemingly edging closer to the addition of Riyad Mahrez. While Arsene Wenger stated that he had not made a bid for the Leicester City winger yet, he did reveal that he was an admirer of his abilities and raised the possibility of a future offer in the coming days and weeks.

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Moreover, it has more recently been revealed that Leicester themselves believe that Mahrez will indeed join Arsenal after the Algerian publicly confirmed in a long-winded statement that he had told the Leicester board that he wanted to leave. It is looking like an increasing possibility that Mahrez will be at the Emirates next season. So that leads me to ask: Where does he fit in?

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And that is a question that leads to two rather worrying conclusions. But I’ll get to that later. The first issue to settle is what formation Wenger is looking to employ next season. He has been entrenched in the 4-2-3-1 system that has served him well in recent years. That is why his decision to switch to Chelsea’s 3-4-3 late in the season was so surprising.

With the change, though, success came. A blistering run of form closed the season, and a remarkable FA Cup final win over Chelsea ensured that a frustrating, turbulent year ended with a trophy. If Wenger continues with the 3-4-3 formation, it is difficult to see where Mahrez fits into the side. The most obvious role is either side of the central striker. But that is where Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are stationed. Mahrez, then, would be replacing one of the two. That is hardly a signing to spur Arsenal towards a Premier League title.

The other scenario, where Wenger reverts back to the 4-2-3-1 formation, is a little easier to decipher. The three attacking midfield roles behind the central striker would be filled by Ozil, Sanchez and Mahrez. That is undoubtedly an exciting trio that could create and score a bucket load of goals if all fit and firing.

But it is clear that the 3-4-3 formation provides a much greater defensive solidarity to the side that is beneficial. The extra centre-half, along with the ability to shift into a back-five with the two wing-backs if needed, brings greater cover – especially against the counter attack, a key weakness of the Gunners – for a team that has struggled defensively for many years.

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Ultimately, if Mahrez were to be signed, it leads to two conclusions: either Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil or both are on their way out; or Wenger is returning to comforts with his 4-2-3-1 formation. While Mahrez would be a wonderful addition, what it may mean, is not so bright.