How Arsenal will likely line up with highly-rated Champions League winner

Arsenal is in the market for a midfielder. 

Aaron Ramsey’s expected departure to Juventus will leave the Gunners short of manpower in the middle of the park. Mesut Ozil’s fallout with Unai Emery and injury to Henrikh Mkhitaryan has further brought the Gunners midfield to bare bones. 

Arsenal has been linked with a roster of playmakers, including Barcelona’s Denis Suarez and ex-Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco.

The latest potential signing for the club is James Rodriguez who is reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich.

The Colombian could just be walking away from his two-year contract at Allianz Arena from Real Madrid.

James has cut a frustrated figure this term under Niko Kovac, starting just five times in the Bundesliga.Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has denied claims that the 27-year-old could be on his way out of Bavaria. 

He said as quoted by the Metro: “If we decide to sign a player, then he also remains a part of Bayern.”

However, Rodriguez isn’t happy and may ultimately end up at the Emirates.

If that happens, then Gooners should be optimistic.

How will he fit in? 

Rodriguez is a versatile player, capable of slotting anywhere in attack; from central midfield to supporting the flanks to a false nine. 

His pace, technical skills, vision and ability to create chances for teammates makes him adept to these roles. That versatility will be crucial for Emery – short of options in attack. 

With the central midfield already stocked, Emery will most likely use the Colombian in attack. The 4-3-1-2 formation is best that can accommodate the playmaker and Arsenal’s front two of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

In this system, the 27-year-old will be the focal point, afforded the license to roam and then feeding the front two. He could equally be effective in a 4-2-3-1 formation, slotting between the wingers and behind the striker.

In those rare occasions when Emery opts for a three-man backline, James will seamlessly man the left flank with ease.