Usually July would be too early to start thinking about this but given how fast we’ve moved in the market, I’ve found myself more interested than usual at this time of year.

I’m really keen to hear, especially from those who have watched more of our new players than I have, how we might change our system with our new signings.

I know on Reddit a lot of people were dismissive of playing two inverted full backs together but from what I’ve read about Rice and Timber, is it possible we could deploy him, Zinchenko and Timber in the same lineup? Rice and Timber could share the responsibility of dropping into the back 3 while the other and Zinchenko sit at the base of midfield cycling the ball to our 5 up front.

I’m also very interested to see how Martinelli adapts his game with a new mainstay at left 8. If we play jorgi/partey (or Lavia/Caicedo 🙏) at 6 and give Rice some games at the 8, I honestly have no idea what he’s like as a player there but given that he’s more defensive than xhaka I could see Martinelli being possibly more isolated than last season. Havertz, ESR, Trossard could unleash our 11 even further though.

Another thought… Will Arteta play two strikers this season? I know havertz has had some time as a second striker. Is his profile different enough from Jesus, Trossard to allow having two of them up top? I know he’s big and could develop as a target man but from everything I’ve read it’s not his style. If he is yet another support striker/false 9 type player then this option is probably off the table.

Anyway, keen to hear people’s thoughts and apologies if this isn’t the kind of post people want to see. It felt too long for DD but if I get a negative response I’m happy to shift this sort of thing there.