- 7 hours ago
How Arsenal will line up with Kingsley Coman
Arsenal have been linked with a sensational late summer move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.
Arsenal have had a decent summer so far, with the signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino drastically improving their squad depth in defence and midfield.
Reinforcements in the forward line have not yet materialised, however. The Gunners have made no secret of their desire to add a left-winger to their squad this summer, with moves for Nico Williams and Federico Chiesa mooted.
Nothing materialised, however, with Williams rebuffing everyone to stay in Bilbao and Chiesa seeming to prefer a move to Liverpool. So with 48 hours left of the window they have now explored the possibility of signing Coman.
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The arrival of Michael Olise at Bayern Munich as well as the continuing emergence of Mathys Tel have pushed Coman down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena and the winger has subsequently been seeking an exit from the German side.
He was linked to Barcelona before wage demands scuppered any chance of the cash-strapped Catalans making a move. Now Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal seem favourites, but if they could get a deal done, Arsenal could allow him to continue playing in the Champions League while still earning a hefty salary.
How will Arsenal line up with Kingsley Coman?
David Raya is now the undisputed starting goalkeeper at Arsenal. Aaron Ramsdale has been sold and so no one will be questioning the Spaniard's supremacy.
At right-back Ben White has morphed into a rock solid option for the Gunners. Someone the likes of Lee Dixon could be proud of.
The centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel is the best in the league and with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori now fit, Arsenal even have brilliant back-up.
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Speaking of Calafiori and Timber, don't be surprised if they share the left-back role between them this season as Arsenal continue to field four centre-backs in an effort to limit counter-attacks and vastly improve their rest defence. The days of Zinchenko getting ragdolled by every winger in the league are over.
At the base of midfield will be either the troubled Thomas Partey or Jorginho. With their passing ability, they are essential to make the Arsenal midfield work. Mikel Merino could be an interesting option to back them up if Arsenal wanted to be more beefy, however.
Next to them will be Declan Rice, the Dunga of North London. Nothing more need be said about the £100m man.
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At no. 10 we will of course see the brilliant Martin Odegaard. Firmly into his redemption arc after his early career struggles, the club captain is a joy to watch as he conducts the Arsenal orchestra (the Archestra, if you will).
Bukayo Saka is the third-best right-winger in the world. Absolutely world-class and don't let anybody tell you different. The only weakness in his game is that he's so physically fit that Mikel Arteta plays him all the time and he never gets any rest.
On the left is where Kingsley Coman would slot in. The French winger provides an alternative to Gabriel Martinelli (who appears to have lost his mojo) and Leandro Trossard (who isn't blisteringly quick), adding a new dimension to the Arsenal attack.
Up-front will be Kai Havertz, or Gabriel Jesus, or perhaps Leandro Trossard can shift over as a false nine. None are truly elite goalscorers but each is capable of 10-15 goals a season. Put that all together and, with the defence as imperious as it is, and with Coman adding thrust, speed and title-winning experience, it could be enough to claim Arsenal's first Premier League title for 20 years!
GK: David Raya
RB: Ben White
CB: William Saliba
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
CDM: Thomas Partey
CDM: Declan Rice
CAM: Martin Odegaard
RW: Bukayo Saka
LW: Kingsley Coman
ST: Kai Havertz
