With Arsenal officially in the offseason now, it is time to start planning for the 2019/20 campaign. The Gunners endured a fairly disappointing 2018/19 season, plagued by injuries and underwhelming performances at important times. However, this summer could provide a decent chance to make some significant changes to this Arsenal team. One of these alterations could be with the formation that head coach Unai Emery deploys.

The Spaniard was flexible with his formation and system throughout his first season in north London. Initially starting with a back four, Emery was essentially forced to add an additional center back because of injuries and a leaky defense. Despite this, Arsenal played with a back four in defense during most of their 22-game unbeaten run early in the season. Historically speaking though, Emery has appeared to favor a traditional back line of four, rather than deploying three center backs and two wing backs. During successful spells with Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain, Emery almost regularly went with a back four in defense.

Arsenal brass will have to provide Emery with defensive upgrades this summer if he chooses to revert back to this defensive structure. These reinforcements are crucial to giving the head coach the right players for his preferred formation. The team currently has some quality defenders, but need upgrades in multiple positions at the back. If the Gunners do stick with a back four, a new left back and center back are needed.

Sead Kolasinac is certainly a capable wing back, but not necessarily a reliable left back. Also, Arsenal currently have five center backs on the roster, but are in need of a dominate defending force to pair with one of either Rob Holding or Sokratis. A backup right back would also be a smart addition as well, with Stephen Lichtsteiner on his way out and Ainsley Maitland-Niles more suited to be playing in midfield.

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Along with a back four, Emery’s former teams have also performed well with three midfielders playing behind three forwards. The 4-3-3 formation is becoming a popular system by many successful clubs in Europe. Arsenal can achieve this switch with possibly just two more incoming transfers. A central midfielder to play alongside Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka would be a fantastic addition to the squad.

To finish off the switch to the 4-3-3, Arsenal will have to purchase a winger as well. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is perhaps best utilized as a traditional center forward, however, he has proven that he can provide problems to opposing defenses attacking down the flanks. In fact, his best game in an Arsenal shirt was without a doubt the 4-2 victory against Valencia in May. Although he was partnered with Alexandre Lacazette up front, Aubameyang regularly torched Jose Gaya out wide and netted a hat trick in the process.

Lacazette, Aubameyang, and a pacy winger could give the Gunners a very strong attacking front three next season.

Transitioning to a 4-3-3 could be bad news for Mesut Özil. The club’s highest-paid player is a natural ‘number 10’ and would not particularly suit this formation. Friction between Emery and Özil has been reported throughout the 2018/19 season, and it would appear that the coach would not be too upset if the former German international were to depart the club this summer. However, his supposed £18 million annual salary will be an issue for other teams potentially interested in Özil.

Regardless of what happens with Özil, it would be surprising to see Emery stay with three center backs going into the 2019/20 campaign. While transfer funds will most likely be somewhat modest, the Gunners can improve this squad with a few smart transfers and a switch to the 4-3-3.