The repercussions of the January transfer window will, after Alexis Sanchez’s back pocket, be felt most strongly at Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger is overseeing an attacking overhaul at the Gunners. Granted, Sanchez’s imminent departure is not Wenger’s wish but Henrikh Mkhitaryan arriving, potentially along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, provides all the potential for an exciting attack.
Arsenal will need their new arrivals to hit the ground running for the second half of the season. They trail fourth-place Chelsea by eight points and a return to the Champions League is essential for Wenger and the club.
So how will the Frenchman choose to combine his new attacking talents? Sportsmail provides three possibilities.
Alexis Sanchez is on the brink of sealing his Arsenal exit and a move to Manchester United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is likely to head to Arsenal in exchange for Sanchez
The Gunners are also interested in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund
OPTION 1: 4-2-3-1
Mkhitaryan’s arrival in place of Sanchez is fascinating as he’s much closer to the mould of Mesut Ozil than the Chile international.
But his pace is a crucial addition to Wenger’s ranks with Sanchez and Theo Walcott leaving North London.
Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi are the most obvious players to occupy wide positions in Wenger’s squad moving forward. As a result, Ozil through the middle in part of a midfield three behind Aubameyang would be an exciting combination.
Jack Wilshere, now a regular starter following his resurgence in form, would provide a midfield axis alongside Aaron Ramsey or Granit Xhaka.
Alex Iwobi will provide width for Arsenal in the absence of Sanchez and Theo Walcott
OPTION 2: 4-1-3-2
If Aubameyang does sign for Arsenal, Wenger may have to consider how he forms an eleven which also includes £53m summer signing Alexandre Lacazette.
The France international has struggled to reproduce his finest form since joining from Lyon – he has scored eight times in 26 games so far this season.
Yet the prospect of him clicking into gear, alongside Aubameyang, is extraordinary. A frontline worth over £100m, supported by Ozil and Mkhitaryan’s creativity, would surely be enough to fire Arsenal back into the top four and in turn would surely make them trophy contenders.
But to partner them together, Wenger must make a sacrifice elsewhere on the field. One option is to turn his midfield into a diamond, or a 1-3 formation, to accomodate two strikes.
Wilshere could be the one that misses out as a result, with Xhaka more suited to a solo holding midfield position. Aaron Ramsey, when fit, could join Ozil and Mkhitaryan in an attacking midfield trio instead of Iwobi as he is perfectly capable of dropping deeper when needed.
Wenger may overhaul his attack but Alexandre Lacazette’s form remains something to solve
OPTION 3: 4-3-3
It’s the most maverick suggestion but Arsenal definitely have the players for a 4-3-3. The only problem is the difficulty in fitting both Ozil and Mkhitaryan in.
A midfield trio of Ramsey, Wilshere and Ozil blends the best of Arsenal’s midfield options and three in attack would pave the way for Olivier Giroud to join Lacazette and Aubameyang.
France striker Giroud has been excellent whenever called upon by Wenger. He has scored eight goals for Arsenal so far in 2017-18 but in 25 games, four less than Lacazette.
His aerial ability in a three-pronged attack would provide another dimension for Arsenal moving forward. And Wenger’s finest sides have always been at their most dangerous in the final third of the pitch.
Olivier Giroud has impressed for Arsenal whenever Wenger has called upon him