Arsenal: Ben White signing could prompt 4-3-3 switch

Ben White Can Help Arsenal Shift Into 4-3-3

£45m, or whatever it might be, is a lot of money. A rather considerable outlay this summer when prior to the window opening central defence wasn’t considered one of the primary areas to target.

When you are paying that amount there are a couple of questions to ask:

• Is he an upgrade on what is here?
• What can he bring us we don’t already have?

The first point is clearly a yes and the second one is a number of aspects. For that amount of money you want something different; a player that can help open new doors. White’s qualities are plain to see but it is his diverse skillset and versatility that can help bridge the move from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3.

His signing alone wouldn’t prompt it, but a player of his ball carrying ability, as well as his additional pace, lessens the need for Arteta to be fielding two holding midfielders.

As Arsenal look like merging into a pressing side that plays higher up the pitch (or so we think) the addition of quicker central defenders allows the in-possession 2-3-5 shape to boast less defensively shackled No. 8’s.

If Thomas Partey is the sitting midfielder – and Albert Sambi Lokonga’s arrival also hints towards a 4-3-3 as an athletic intercepting No.6/8 hybrid – he always runs the risk of being exposed. Any lone No. 6 will face that concern. Where the difference lies is in how that risk is negated, and with a central defender fast enough to cover the high transitions and equally capable of carrying into midfield the burden of turnovers in Partey’s stead is limited.

With a full week between Premier League fixtures to work on these systematic changes, Arteta may feel there is no better time to begin implementing it. There will have to be more arrivals, of course, as a new central midfielder(s) is essential as well as a playmaker who can play as either one of two No. 10’s or as an advanced No. 8, as well as a right-back who can tuck inside so as not to limit Kieran Tierney‘s final third output.

What White does provide is a clearer whiteboard for Arteta to brainstorm. Formations in general aren’t as hugely important in the manager’s mind, as he’s stated, but moving from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 will add nuance to the way Arsenal build. Out of possession it will still be a 4-4-2 mid-block whereas with the ball, as most teams do, it will operate with five lanes of attack. The changes will be in that central area where more technically advanced and penetrative players can be selected.

Above all though, White actually needs to join Arsenal. It does look for all the world like he will and his profile is exactly that Arteta will be after. Perhaps that is with a view to going 4-3-3.