We are now into the final months of the 2021/22 season and Arsenal are still locked in a battle to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners currently find themselves three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, although the Lilywhites have played one more Premier League match than their rivals this term. Mikel Arteta's side will be desperate to pip Antonio Conte and Co to the fourth position, something that would greatly help the club in this summer's transfer window.
Technical director Edu is keen to bolster Arteta's squad this summer and football.london understands that the Brazilian will look to sign at least one attacker and midfielder this summer. One name that could fit into both of those categories is Lyon star Lucas Paqueta.
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Paqueta has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months and the Brazilian international can operate in midfield, as well as upfront - something that would likely intrigue Arteta. Now, football.london details two different ways that the north Londoners could line up if they were able to beat competition from the likes of Newcastle United and complete a £58million deal for the 24-year-old this summer.
False nine
Paqueta is predominantly a midfielder but he has operated further upfield at times this season, starting as a frontman six times across all competitions. In fact, the silky playmaker was awarded the Ligue 1 player of the month for his performances in October of last year, a month that saw him starting as a striker on three occasions.
Considering wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both possess bundles of pace and are intelligent in their movement in behind, perhaps playing Paqueta as a false nine alongside the young duo would work well for Arteta. The Brazilian likes the ball to feet and can certainly bring teammates into play, evidenced by the six assists he has provided this season.
Paqueta is also accomplished in front of goal himself, finding the back of the net nine times throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Roaming playmakers
Arteta has favoured a 4-3-3 approach in recent times, playing Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard ahead of Thomas Partey. However, he has also opted to play the more attacking Emile Smith Rowe alongside Odegaard when injury concerns have plagued Xhaka or Partey.
Signing Paqueta would allow the Spaniard to replicate this system of two roaming playmakers ahead of a deep sitting no.6 whilst also offering Smith Rowe the freedom to express himself on the left wing. There has often been a clamour from Arsenal fans to give Martinelli a chance centrally and this setup would also allow this.
The Brazilian's lack of hold-up play would also be covered by the fact that Smith Rowe, Saka, Paqueta and Odegaard all possess elite ball retention in the final third.
