How Arsenal would line up with Ansu Fati

Stuart Telford

• 11 Feb 2023 16:25 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal have been linked with a sensational move for Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati. How would the Gunners line up with the winger in the ranks?

La Liga have told Barca to slash €200 million from their wage bill next summer, and despite the club's public proclamations that they want to keep Ansu, he remains one of their most saleable assets.

Manchester United have been touted as a possible destination for the Spain international, but Arsenal are in the market for a left winger if their recent pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk is anything to go by.

READ: Arsenal's advantage in Ansu Fati transfer pursuit

The incumbent in the position, Gabriel Martinelli, also struck up a friendship with Ansu when on trial at Barca back in 2019.

Fat chance?

Ansu's favourite position is on the left wing, from where he can cut inside and impact the game with goals and assists, invariably with his favoured right foot.

That would conceivably mean Martinelli making way, although the positional versatility of both could see them play opposite each other in the 4-3-3 system Gunners coach Mikel Arteta has preferred of late.

READ: Arsenal trying to bolt down Saka and Saliba after Martinelli extension

Ansu and Martinelli could both play on either flank, while the latter is also happy to lead the line - something he might have the opportunity to do should Gabriel Jesus' recovery from injury not go to plan while Eddie Nketiah needs a rest.

Further back, Arsenal's midfield three looks settled, with Thomas Partey and captain Martin Odegaard undroppable, while Granit Xhaka has had a new lease of life since the change in formation, pulling up to three goals and five assists in the Premier League this season.

The Swiss might nonetheless be the one looking over his shoulder the most should Arsenal add either Moises Caicedo or Declan Rice to their ranks at the same time as Ansu next summer.

Arteta seems to have settled on his first-choice defensive unit, although the winter arrival of Jakub Kiwior - a left-footed centre-back - does at least give Gabriel greater scope for a rest.