The Mikel Arteta that arrived at Arsenal from Manchester City has changed significantly during his time at the club in many areas as his managerial experience has grown.
From decision-making on the field in matches to off the pitch in the transfer market, Arteta has changed his Arsenal approach. Beginning with a back three system, the Spaniard has moved to consolidate his long-term plan to play with four at the back formation with three main forwards.
Whereas previously, signings were made with the intent of getting an immediate impact through experienced heads like Willian and Thomas Partey, Mikel Arteta has since skewed towards the younger generation of talent.
He has also looked to strengthen the depth of the group in positions such as left-back, goalkeeper and central midfield. Nuno Tavares, Aaron Ramsdale and Sambi Lokonga have all had runs in the first team with the former Sheffield United stopper since becoming the club’s number one.
At Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has constructed a group he can rotate between whilst maintaining quality in every starting eleven. Arsenal remain a long way from this, but the aforementioned signings indicate Arteta also wants this depth of quality in his side.
The Arsenal front line is in need of a striker, however, the wide positions appear set at present with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli the starting wingers. Nicolas Pepe has gradually seen fewer and fewer minutes on the field and even Emile Smith Rowe has been forced onto the bench by Martinelli.
However, Smith Rowe’s versatility and potential mean he remains in the coach’s long-term plans. The same cannot be said for Pepe whose lack of minutes has prompted the Ivorian to consider his options and soon Saka could be without significant competition pushing him for the position.
Arsenal, should Pepe leave, would need to sign serious competition for Saka or risk leaving themselves shorthanded, allowing the England international to get comfortable. With the hope of European qualification, the rotation of the squad will also be key in competing across multiple fronts.
Bayern Munich forward and former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry could be exactly what the Gunners are after. A regrettable loss from north London, Gnabry has only gone from strength to strength since returning to his homeland.
However, reported contract talks are proving difficult and Arsenal should be monitoring the situation if Gnabry wishes to move on.
Mikel Arteta spoke highly of the German international when he was a teammate of his in 2014.
"I think he's got a lot of quality," Arteta said. "He's got something not many players have in this team, which is pace and skill to go and beat people.
"That's why the manager played him - three upfront is something that helps us be more incisive."
Perhaps, with Arteta now the manager himself, Gnabry could complete the Arsenal front three plan. With the 26-year-old able to play both right and left-wing, even deputising centrally for club and country, Arteta would get plenty of value from him.
He will have just one year remaining on his deal in June and Bayern will not want to risk losing him for free. The likelihood at present is a breakthrough in contract talks will be reached, however, any sign of an opening and Arsenal would be mad not to consider the former Gunner.
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