Arsenal: 4 benefits of 4-3-3 tactical shift under Arteta

4. Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Window Targets Are Clear

The summer is the time to invest. It’s time to attack the market and really lift the level of this team in the areas where it can be improved upon.

That absolutely, unequivocally, includes Xhaka, despite the positive usage of him in the current system. Because no matter how well he is doing as a No. 8, Arsenal need someone who can travel with the ball as well as pass it. That little bit of technical craft and adventure is waiting to be signed.

Lacazette isn’t offering the presence, or indeed fitness, that Arsenal urgently need at centre-forward and this defined style of play will make it easier to narrow down the targets that can elevate Arsenal to a new level.

It’s painstakingly obvious where the gaps are.

The current system is helping Arsenal see that. Operating in this 4-3-3 shape has provided crystal clear clarity on what it is that this team needs to go up another level. As well as the obvious upgrade at centre-forward, what Xhaka is doing can be done with additional bells and whistles by that new and shiny player everyone is pining for. A starter in that position, as well as a backup, is on the agenda since it’s apparent that Sambi is being viewed as Partey’s long-term successor.

We know what we need in the summer.