Three ways Arsenal could line up with Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke in new-look attack | OneFootball

So many options available to Mikel Arteta as summer transfer drive ramps up

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Mikel Arteta often stresses his desire for Arsenal to be “unpredictable” in how they set up - and the signings of Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres will certainly help that.

Madueke, meanwhile, provides Arteta with another attacking weapon on both flanks, capable of operating off the left as well as the right.

Arteta stressed the need for more firepower towards the end of last season, and the club will hope the imminent arrivals of Gyokeres and Madueke address that.

Here, Standard Sport examines the different ways Arsenal could line up with their new recruits…

Gyokeres at No9 - and a surprise role for Madueke

Gyokeres’ extraordinary goal record for Sporting makes him an exciting prospect to add to Arsenal’s attack.

Indeed, his tally of 39 goals in the Portuguese top-flight last season was more than any player managed in Europe’s top 10 leagues.

The plan at Arsenal is for Gyokeres to play through the middle, which will provide Havertz with competition and give the Gunners the No9 they have been crying out for.

Madueke’s role is less defined. The England international predominantly plays off the right and he could deputise for Bukayo Saka.

Natural finisher: Gyokeres has a formidable scoring record in Portugal with Sporting

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Saka has played more minutes for Arteta than any other Arsenal player and the club have long looked for someone to ease that burden.

Madueke, however, has also shown how he can play off the left, having done so for Chelsea at the end of last season.

The 23-year-old has also played there for England, starting and setting up the only goal of the game last month in a 1-0 win over Andorra.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke

Madueke in natural position as Saka gets break

Last season laid bare just how reliant Arsenal are on Saka, and the lack of depth behind him.

With Saka out for nearly three months due to a hamstring injury, Arteta rotated several players on the right flank.

Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all had stints out there, with differing levels of success.

Madueke would provide a natural replacement for Saka and the chance for Arteta to rotate more often.

Versatile: Madueke can play off either flank, as he showed for Chelsea last season

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The 23-year-old is emerging as Saka’s main competitor for England and Arsenal will hope he can create that rivalry at club level.

Madueke’s style of play is different to Arsenal’s other wingers. He is an effective dribbler and a player that gets a high number of shots off.

The chaos he can bring to attacks down the right may dovetail well with Gyokeres, who showed at Sporting that he is a dangerous dribbler when drifting out left.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Gyokeres and Havertz together in attacking team

One of the big questions around Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal is what it means for Havertz.

Arteta is a huge fan of the German and spoke glowingly about what he offers towards the end of last season.

“One of the biggest qualities with Kai is his versatility and his goal threat whenever he plays and he’s so intelligent,” said Arteta.

“He will play as a No9, he will play as an attacking midfielder - and he will be super important for us as a team.”

Gyokeres’ arrival means Havertz can be rested and rotated, but it is also the case that they may start together in some games.

Valued: Havertz should still play a key role for Arsenal even after the arrival of Gyokeres

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Arteta used a 4-4-2 formation last season when captain Martin Odegaard was out, and Gyokeres and Havertz could suit such a set up.

It is also possible that Havertz is used in a midfield role, most likely as one of Arsenal’s two No8s.

This was where the German was originally signed to play and, especially in games where Arsenal are on the attack trying to break teams down, Arteta could use him there behind Gyokeres.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Havertz; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke