How Arsenal could face Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Willian next season

Mikel Arteta hopes Arsenal’s transfer deal this summer gives him more squad depth and tactical flexibility.

Defense is a prime example of this. Arteta prefers to play a back-three during Arsenal’s run to the FA Cup last season.

Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes’ £ 25m signing will give left-footed competition to fellow defender Pablo Mari while looking like an ideal long-term partner for right-footed William Saliba.

Arsenal could face Gabriel, David Luiz and Saliba next season – but Arteta could opt for a pair of Gabriel and Saliba.

The Spaniard is believed to be looking to play a 4-3-3 formation in the long run, with Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin being the two full-backs.

Emi Martinez will probably start the season in goal as Bernd Leno has little playing aptitude, but in the long term Arteta will have to decide who his No. 1 is.

Martinez is happy to stay with Arsenal but wants assurances for his playing time and has offers to go.

In midfield, Arsenal are hoping they can loan Dani Ceballos again as he formed a good partnership with Granit Xhaka last season.

Real Madrid have called the Spaniard back and want him to attend the preseason but a move to Arsenal is by no means dead.

Thomas Partey is another player who could play in midfield but as of now Arsenal have not activated their € 50million release clause and Atletico Madrid are not accepting a lower fee.

Before that, if Arteta plays four in defense, we could see another attack this season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can start on the left and Nicolas Pepe on the right, with Willian playing as No. 10.

The Brazilian was signed by Chelsea for his versatility. Although he will play wide at times, he can also be used in the middle.

“We had the clear intention of strengthening the attacking midfielder and winger positions [and] He’s a player who gives us a lot of versatility. He can play in three or four different positions, ”said Arteta.

Willian embodies the new tactical flexibility Arteta expects from his squad and the extra depth he wants.

Alexandre Lacazette should lead the line in attack. The French are interested in Juventus, but there are still no concrete offers for him.

(4-2-3-1): Leno; Bellerin, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka; Pepe, Willian, Aubameyang; Lacazette.