How Arsenal could line up if Mikel Arteta seals Julian Brandt Dortmund transfer this month

Arsenal: Has Arteta found a winning formula for Gunners?

Arsenal are reportedly looking at trying to sign Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julien Brandt as a long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil, with Mikel Arteta reportedly eager to improve his creative options. The 24-year-old is valued highly by Dortmund, and could become a key figure in Arteta’s side, but where would he play in the team?

Arsenal are said to be desperate to sign a new creative playmaker in the January transfer window.

The Gunners have struggled this season so far, and have only won six of the opening 16 Premier League games of the season.

Arteta will apparently be backed significantly by the club’s board in the January window, despite their slow start to the season.

And Brandt is set to be one of their top targets, with the German set to take Ozil’s place in the side.

Brandt primarily plays in the number ten position, where Ozil would usually play if he was included in the team.

In recent weeks, that spot in the team has been taken by Emile Smith-Rowe.

The youngster has looked impressive in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing and Bukayo Saka on the right.

Arteta seems to have found his ideal formation with the 4-2-3-1, having won twice on the bounce in recent weeks.

It is believed that Arsenal won’t be too active in January, and could only sign one player.

They’ve been linked with Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, but that deal will likely only happen at the end of the season provided Hector Bellerin is sold to Barcelona.

The arrival of Brandt would, however, highlight one of Arteta’s main dilemmas at the moment – the left-wing position.

Martinelli has been employed there in the last two games after returning from a long-term injury, and he’s provided the side with some much-needed energy.

His pressing is something Arsenal haven’t seen so far this season, and his return could lead to Aubameyang playing in a more central role.

But if Brandt arrives, the club captain could have to compete for a place in the attack with Lacazette.

With games coming thick and fast, Arteta could use the competition for places to rotate his side and keep everyone fresh.

Arsenal predicted line-up if Julian Brandt is signed:

Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Magalhaes, Tierney; Xhaka, Ceballos; Saka, Brandt, Martinelli; Lacazette

Source: Read Full Article