SM
Everton vs. Liverpool: 22 hrs 9 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

How Arsenal could line up with Malcom but without Laurent Koscielny

:Headline: How Arsenal could line up with Malcom but without Laurent Koscielny : ID:364824: from db_amp
Arsenal are said to be keen on Malcom, while also having to contend with issues regarding Laurent Koscielny, but how may that impact on this season's starting lineup?

There remains much speculation regarding the make-up of Arsenal's squad next season, but manager Unai Emery is yet to make any notable additions during the summer transfer window.

Despite the signing of teenager Gabriel Martinelli, supporters want to see fresh faces in a number of areas, including at centre-back and out wide.

As a result of Wilfried Zaha's alleged £80m valuation, Malcom has been identified as a realistic alternative at a time when Barcelona are contemplating several sales.

However, Emery is also having to contend with an ongoing situation involving Laurent Koscielny, who is attempting to force an exit from the Emirates Stadium after a nine-year stay in North London.

The are pros and cons regarding the potential departure of the 33-year-old, although Arsenal seemingly have little intention of allowing the club captain to leave on the cheap.

Here, Sports Mole assesses how Arsenal could line up if Malcom arrives at the club and Koscielny is given permission to return to France.



Malcom has been starved of first-team action during his time at Camp Nou, with the Brazilian being provided with just 608 minutes of football in La Liga last season.

However, the 22-year-old would almost certainly be regarded as first-choice at Arsenal with Emery searching for an out-and-out winger to complement the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

The former would still likely be used on the opposite flank to Malcom in order to keep both players in the team, but the introduction of the former Bordeaux man would leave Arsenal looking strong in the final third.

The knock-on effect would be whom Emery uses as his third midfielder. Alex Iwobi would likely get the nod over Mesut Ozil due to his superior work-rate, although Emery may also be willing to use three combative midfielders to free up the trio in attack.

Koscielny will only be used on a rotational basis should be remain at Arsenal, but his departure would give Emery less movement to manoeuvre when it comes to switching to a back three, at least until Rob Holding returns from a knee injury.

There may be times when Mustafi is required to play at right-back, meaning that Arsenal would be under pressure to find an appropriate replacement for Koscielny, who has made 353 appearances in all competitions.

amp_article__364824 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-07-14 16:25:25:
html db last update - 2021-03-06 23:21:20 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal33235577265174
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .