How Arsenal will line up with Nkunku

Karan Tejwani

• 14 Jun 2022 13:18 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.

The Gunners have been looking to improve their attacking ranks following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette this year, and only have Eddie Nketiah as a forward option.

Adding more depth and quality up top is a priority for the Gunners after a season where their lack of efficiency up top cost them a place in the Champions League.

So, with Nkunku rumoured, how would Arsenal line up with the Frenchman in the team?

Arsenal's team with Christopher Nkunku

Aaron Ramsdale is set to continue in goal with little competition for his place following his big money move from Sheffield United last season.

At the back, Takehiro Tomiyasu impressed on the right last season following his move, so he should keep that place when he’s fit and Kieran Tierney will be on the other flank, once again depending on his fitness.

In the middle, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes should continue as the starting centre-half pairing with Rob Holding there to support when needed.

In midfield, Arsenal don’t look best equipped so will need improvements there, but have Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka to work with at the start before bringing on others.

The attack is where most changes will be seen and adding in a player of Nkunku’s quality will only help make them better in the long run.

On the right, they’ll have Bukayo Saka, who was named Arsenal’s Player of the Season for the second campaign running and has a bright future ahead of him with the Gunners.

Gabriel Martinelli will occupy the other flank as he got better during the 2021-22 season, and will don the number 11 shirt from next season – perhaps an indication of the faith Arsenal have in him.

In the middle, Martin Odegaard became one of Arsenal’s most exciting players, and he had the numbers to back it, contributing to seven goals and four assists in the league.

Nkunku would change the dynamic of the team, adding flair to a team that needs it – he’ll be leading the line, and his record of 35 goals and 19 assists last season proved he can do so and contribute throughout the attack.

He was named the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season, ahead of the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Patrik Schick and Erling Haaland – a huge achievement and a nod to his incredible talent.

Arsenal need more than just Nkunku to improve as a team, but adding in the Frenchman would be a superb start to their transfer window.