Sport nationHow Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side could start next season with Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia – but no Thomas Partey
Mikel Arteta is expected to reshuffle his Arsenal line-up next season in what promises to be a hectic summer transfer window at the Emirates.
With the Gunners back in the Champions League for the first time since 2017 and now genuine Premier League title contenders, Arteta knows he has to strengthen his squad.
Arteta is desperate for new signings this summer to mount another title tilt
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Arteta is desperate for new signings this summer to mount another title tilt
And the Spaniard is also aware he has to be ruthless in parting ways with some of his key players that helped the club finish second in the table.
Fan favourite Granit Xhaka is set to be sold to Bayer Leverkusen – despite enjoying a renaissance at the Emirates in the 2022/23 season.
And his midfield partner Thomas Partey could also be moved on, with it believed that discussions have already taken place over his potential exit.
West Ham skipper Declan Rice is the club’s No.1 target, with Arsenal prepared to bid up to £100million after having a first offer rejected.
Versatile Chelsea forward Kai Havertz has also been the subject of a failed proposal, but Arsenal remain confident an agreement can be reached.
And Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia is also on the club’s radar to provide depth in the defensive midfield position.
But where would all the players fit in should the trio be signed? Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at three possible formations Arsenal could use next term.
Whatever system Arteta chooses to play, he is unlikely to tinker at the back in the Premier League and Champions League.
Arsenal remain hopeful they can bring West Ham captain Rice to the Emirates
Arsenal remain hopeful they can bring West Ham captain Rice to the Emirates
And they are also determined to snap up Chelsea star Havertz
And they are also determined to snap up Chelsea star Havertz
England international Aaron Ramsdale would start between the sticks, with Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko to slot in as Arteta’s inverted full-backs.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, who is set to sign a new long-term contract, will almost certainly be the preferred centre-back partnership.
In midfield is where things get interesting, as Arteta has a decision to make over where he would play Havertz.
Utilised as an attacking midfielder by Bayer Leverkusen, the German has been tasked with leading the line for Chelsea which has hindered his natural ball-playing abilities.
Should Arteta decide against starting him up top, he could be used as a No.8 alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
This would see Rice deployed as the lone defensive midfielder, with Lavia forced to settle for a place on the bench.
Gabriel Jesus would then keep his spot as Arsenal’s centre-forward, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli used on the wings.
This could be one way Arsenal may start next season with Rice and Havertz
This could be one way Arsenal may start next season with Rice and Havertz
However if Arteta looks to use Havertz as an option upfront, this would see him having to change up his midfield.
Lavia, should he be brought in, may then be used in the No.6 role, with Rice and Odegaard to start as the box-to-box midfielders.
Havertz could feature as a false No.9 – playing in a slightly deeper role than what Jesus would do to help out with the transitions in attack.
Saka would again start down the right flank, but Martinelli could be left out to accommodate his Brazilian compatriot Jesus.
Havertz playing up top could see Lavia come into the starting XI, and Jesus moved out wide
Havertz playing up top could see Lavia come into the starting XI, and Jesus moved out wide
Alternatively, Arteta may decide to abandon his usual 4-3-3 formation, and instead look to take a leaf out of Pep Guardiola’s book.
The Manchester City boss enjoyed great success using the 3-2-2-3 formation at the back end of the 2022/23 season, which saw the Citizens win the treble.
Should Arteta take a gamble on this system, it would see Ramsdale yet again start in goal, with White, Saliba and Gabriel to be the three defenders, resulting in Zinchenko being benched.
A defensive midfield pairing would then consist of Lavia and Rice, with Havertz and Odegaard to slot in behind Jesus.
Martinelli would then feature down the left channel, with Saka to start on the opposite flank.
This radical formation could be one for Arteta to think about
Amina Umar
Sport nation
