The Gunners have had an active start to the summer transfer window as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title next season. With the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea already secured, their squad is taking shape. Last Word on Sports takes a closer look at Arsenal’s potential starting lineup and the tactics Mikel Arteta might employ.
How Could Arsenal Lineup in the 2023-24 Season?
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
The Spanish manager employed a 4-3-3 formation for most of last season as the North London side finished runners-up to Manchester City in the league. Despite some personnel changes, the setup is expected to remain the same for the next season.
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
The shot-stopper has cemented his spot between the sticks thanks to some brilliant performances since joining the side in 2021. His ability to play with his feet also makes him an invaluable asset to the Gunners.
Left-Back: Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian enjoyed an excellent 2022-23 season after joining from the Cityzens last summer. His ‘inverted’ full-back role was a key part in Arsenal’s success last season.
Centre-Back: Gabriel Magalhaes
The left-footed centre-half is predicted to keep his position in the heart of the defence. However, he could be competing for this spot with Dutch international Jurrien Timber, if the London-based club manage to get that deal over the line in the coming days.
Centre-Back: William Saliba
Saliba was among the best defenders in the English first division last year. The Frenchman played 33 games across all competitions during the campaign, helping keep 13 clean sheets.
Right-Back: Ben White
Despite playing out of position for the entirety of last season, the former Brighton man has made the right-back spot his own. The Englishman scored two goals and also contributed with five assists, proving the doubters wrong in the process.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Declan Rice
Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with West Ham to sign the highly-rated midfielder for a “record-breaking” fee. The 24-year-old could prove to be the final piece in the puzzle as Arteta’s men chase a first league title in two long decades.
Left-Attacking Midfielder: Martin Odegaard
The North Londoners’ club captain led from the front with a team-leading 15 goals in the recently concluded league campaign. The former Real Madrid man would once again look to be the catalyst that drives the team forward.
Right-Attacking Midfielder: Kai Havertz
Havertz takes over the advanced midfield role from the outgoing Granit Xhaka. The German made the switch from the blue side of London to the Emirates Stadium for a reported fee of £65 million. Fans of the club would be hoping that he reaches the heights that once made him one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
Left-Winger: Gabriel Martinelli
The 22-year old had a breakout season for the Gunners and impressed one and all with his performances on the left flank. The young Brazilian had 20 goal contributions in the season gone by and would be hoping to improve on those numbers this year.
Right-Winger: Bukayo Saka
The crown jewel out of all the talented youngsters in Arteta’s side is none other than Bukayo Saka. Despite being only 21 years old, the youngster has made over 150 appearances for both club and country. Arsenal were quick to tie the winger down to a long-term contract, and Saka himself will be looking to reach even greater heights in the upcoming season.
Centre-Forward: Gabriel Jesus
The third Gabriel in this lineup spearheads the attack. The former league winner with City is known for his ability to play the ‘false-nine’ role to perfection. This allows the likes of Martinelli and Saka to become even more dangerous.
Arsenal Tactical Analysis
Under Arteta, the Gunners played an exciting brand of football. One can see shades of Pep Guardiola in the way the former City assistant coach sets his team up.
His side plays out from the back with short passes from Ramsdale. When in possession, Zinchenko tucks into the midfield and Arsenal switch to a 3-2-5 formation with Rice alongside the Ukrainian in midfield. Zinchenko is also technically adept to carry the ball forward and make progressive passes into the left channel which would ideally be occupied by Havertz.
The chemistry between White, Saka and Odegaard in the right flank makes the opposition susceptible to intricate passes. These eventually lead to a big chance being created in the box.
In addition to this, Jesus often drops deep, allowing the wide players to make runs beyond the defenders. Havertz can also make late runs into the box to slot home a rebound or create chances for another player.
Rice, Gabriel and Saliba provide defensive stability in transition and the players are also well-drilled to track back and help defend when needed. All in all, Arsenal have an exceptionally fluid system which can trouble any opposition.
Featured image courtesy of Daniel on Flickr, https://flic.kr/p/L1GvYU, CC BY 2.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
