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3 ways Arsenal could line up in attack next season
Arsenal’s busy start to the summer transfer window will continue with the statement signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
The Gunners are set to pay £45m for the Brazilian’s services after he helped the Cityzens to their fourth Premier League title under Pep Guardiola by contributing to 17 league goals last season.
However, the ambitious 25-year-old has opted for pastures new and is keen to lead Mikel Arteta’s exciting rebuild in north London. The forward is set to have received assurances from Arteta over his role in the side, but what exactly that role is remains to be seen.
Jesus joined City as an out-and-out #9 but Pep Guardiola has often utilised the Brazilian to tremendous effect in a wide right position. He’s a valuable outlet, and Jesus’ flexibility only increases Arsenal’s ambiguity in attack.
How could Arsenal line up in attack next season?
Thus, working out how the Gunners could line up in attack next season is tricky to work out. Arteta will surely retain the 4-3-3, but projecting the personnel is no easy task.
Nevertheless, here are some forward combinations we could see next season.
Option #1: Saka – Jesus – Martinelli
Arsenal’s pursuit of Raphinha (yes, I know he’s now going to Chelsea) doesn’t suggest that Bukayo Saka is heading for the exit door. Instead, it’s further proof of Arteta’s desire to follow the Manchester City template and boast two high-quality options at every position.
Had Raphinha arrived, he would’ve provide stiff competition for Saka, who’ll undoubtedly remain the number one choice to start down the right whoever arrives as an alternative to the Leeds winger.
On the opposite flank, relentless runner Gabriel Martinelli complemented one-v-one specialist Saka nicely. These two are among Europe’s most exciting prospects, and they should be complemented further by Jesus’ arrival. The Brazilian, in essence, is a much, much better version of Alexandre Lacazette. He’ll withdraw from his advanced position to link play, attempt to get others involved and poach in the opposition’s box. He’s a tremendous athlete and a dogged runner without the ball.
The Gunners will evolve into pressing behemoths with Brazilian’s Jesus and Martinelli leading from the front.
The dynamic between these three could be replicated by a Raphinha-esque profile off the right, Eddie Nketiah through the middle, and Emile Smith Rowe down the left.
Continued on the next slide…