Arsenal close in on Spanish midfield maestro: How they might line up with him

Arsenal are closing in on the capture of Denis Suarez from Barcelona, it has been claimed.

The Gunners are inching closer to securing the services of Suarez, who could join the club on a loan deal till the end of the campaign, according to the Daily Star.

Here’s how Arsenal could line up with Suarez in the team.

Defence

Bernd Leno has remained Emery’s first choice ‘keeper after taking advantage of Petr Cech’s injury during the first half of the campaign, and we expect the German international to retain his place in between the sticks for the remainder of the season.

Although Emery, at times, has switched to a three at the back formation, the use of four-man backline has been prominent. Therefore, the 4-3-1-2 is likely to remain the core formation for the Spanish mastermind.

Sokratis is the club’s number one choice when it comes to centre-backs and the Greek will likely partner Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the Arsenal backline. However, Shkodran Mustafi will provide an additional option, which could come in handy if Emery opts for a three-man backline.

Hector Bellerin’s injury means Stephan Lichtsteiner could start in the right-back position for a major part of the season.

Sead Kolasinac will start on the opposite flank while Nacho Monreal will require some time to get used to the pace of the game after recovering from his injury.

Midfield

Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira have played a key role under Emery this season and they will continue to do so for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.

Suarez might slot in just in front of the duo, from where he’ll look to use his technical prowess to ease Arsenal’s transition from defence to attack.

The Spaniard is likely to play a key role in recycling possession as well as providing additional support in the final third.

Attack

Emery will have the option to use either Mesut Ozil or Aaron Ramsey in the attacking midfield slot, though both of these players have been linked with a move away from the Emirates with the latter likely to sign for Juventus on a pre-contract agreement.

The duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will be deployed up front, and will look to use their pace and urgency to bombard the opposition defence.