How would Serge Gnabry fit in the Arsenal attack?
How would Serge Gnabry fit in the Arsenal attack?
By Jack Lacey-Hatton
They say never go back.
Yet transfer rumours are gathering pace that Serge Gnabry could make a surprise return to the Emirates this summer, having first left the club back in 2016.
Gnabry broke through into the first team with some impressive performances during 2013-14, but after two injury-hit seasons followed, which included a disastrous loan spell at West Brom, he decided to move on.
Since then the Stuttgart-born winger has returned to his native Germany, first with Werder Bremen before going on to have four trophy-laden years with Bayern Munich.
However, despite playing a key role in the Bavarians' recent success, Gnabry is out of contract in 2023 and it is thought the German superclub are keen to cash in rather than let him leave on a free.
It certainly feels like the 26-year-old has unfinished business in North London, but how would he fit into Arsenal's forward line?
Current attacking set-up
Manager Mikel Arteta appeared to have a settled attacking line-up towards the end of the season.
Bukayo Saka is one of the first names on the teamsheet on the left wing, while Martin Ødegaard’s impressive campaign has seen him make the number 10 slot his own.
Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli were competing for the remaining attacking midfielder place and both continued their progress throughout the season.
Arteta employed a 4-2-3-1 system which utilised all four players’ ability to receive the ball between the lines and create chances through clever passing and close control.
Ahead of whichever three were deployed normally sat a lone centre-forward, who had license to come deep and get on the ball when needed.
Eddie Nketiah was the first choice in this position towards the end of the season.
Either Nketiah or a new centre forward, possibly Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Gabriel Jesus, will likely start next season as the first-choice striker.
How would Gnabry fit in?
One of Gnabry’s biggest strengths is his ability with both feet. This means he isn’t a one-dimensional attacker, limited to only playing on one flank.
His unpredictability makes the German difficult to defend against and he would bring a nice balance to Arteta’s attack.
He is also blessed with raw pace, and whilst Saka and Martinelli are not exactly slow, Gnabry would bring a more direct approach to wing-play.
Saka, Smith Rowe and Martinelli are arguably at their best when the team are controlling possession and a clever piece of skill is needed to unlock a defence at a slower tempo.
Gnabry’s speed would carry a greater threat on the counter-attack, particularly in the games against the league’s best teams such as Manchester City and Liverpool who employ a high defensive line.
Arteta would be keen to utilise a player like Gnabry in his approach to these games, and even if he didn’t start every single Premier League game next season, he would be an exciting option to have.
Gnabry can also, when required, effectively play as a number nine. The German has doubled down on his goal threat in recent seasons, highlighted by his return of nine goals in 10 games during Bayern’s run to Champions League glory back in 2020.
Although the search for a new centre forward is thought to be ongoing Gnabry’s versatility would come in useful.
Crucially, former manager Arsene Wenger described Ganbry as a ‘very intelligent’ player. Those who fit that description normally are capable of finding their feet quickly, regardless of the tactical approach.
Should Arsenal re-sign Gnabry?
Only for the right price. But the Gunners don’t need to overly worry about Gnabry slotting into the current system.
Arguably he would be less of a ‘fit’ if his game was similar to that of Saka and Smith Rowe, but the Bayern man provides a variation in style.
That is exactly what Arteta needs to take his team to the next level and back into the Champions League.
If available for less than £30million, Gnabry would be a shrewd recruit ahead of next season.
Photo credit: Getty Images
