Arsenal are one of a number of Premier League sides interested in PSV star Cody Gakpo, football.london understands.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the Dutch international, who provided 36 direct goal contributions across all competitions last season. Gakpo still has a long-term contract with the Eredivisie outfit, meaning it would likely take a large sum to prise him away from the Philips Stadium this summer.
Still, Arsenal technical director Edu hasn't been afraid to spend money during the summer transfer window, already splashing in excess of £80million on Gabriel Jesus, Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos whilst a £30million deal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to be announced imminently Now, football.london takes a look at two different ways Arteta could line-up if the north Londoners are able to sign the aforementioned Gakpo before the window closes.
READ MORE: Arsenal interested in PSV star Cody Gakpo as transfer priority revealed
Slotting in on the left
Arteta has favoured a 4-3-3 system in recent times, with new man Jesus flanked by Bukayo Saka on the right and Gabriel Martinelli on the left. Despite showing his sky-high potential, Martinelli has struggled to show the same type of consistency shown by Saka over the last two seasons.
The Hale End academy graduate is one of the first names on the teamsheet, winning the club's player of the year award in each of the last two campaigns. This could mean Gakpo vies with Martinelli for a place on the left flank if he is to sign this summer.
The Dutchman performed excellently from the left throughout the 2021/22 season, netting 21 goals and notching a further 15 assists - hugely impressive numbers when you consider that he is still just 23 years old. A front three of Gakpo, Jesus and Saka certainly possess a rare blend of technical prowess, clinical finishing and an abundance of speed.
Saka rest
Gakpo has also showcased his ability to play through the middle on occasion, a position he is more than capable in given his 6ft 2ins frame. This could also allow Jesus to play on the right and Martinelli on the left when Saka needs a rest - something he barely got last season as he featured in all 38 of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures
Jesus predominantly was deployed on the right wing for Manchester City last term, scoring 13 times whilst also providing an additional 12 assists and he has previously admitted that he likes playing on the flank as well as through the middle. Speaking to City magazine, the Brazilian said: "I feel comfortable out wide and can help my teammates and my team.
"I can make runs in behind, control the ball, make passes, make crosses, help in defending. As I say, I feel comfortable there.
"I didn't start to play as a winger just this season. I have played with the national team there for two years. I started to play in the first team of Palmeiras as a winger as well and I played sometimes when I arrived here as a winger as well. So I think I'm okay there.
"I can make runs in behind, control the ball, make passes, make crosses, help defend so it's all good and suits my game."
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