According to Sport, Arsenal have identified Luka Jovic as their ideal replacement candidate for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Real Madrid forward continues to attract the Gunners, who are reportedly bracing themselves for the potential departure of Aubameyang in the summer.
Jovic’s struggles at Real Madrid, however, have been well documented. So in this article, we will discuss how Mikel Arteta could bring the best out of him.
A two-man offensive unit
Arteta has predominantly used the 4-2-3-1 formation after taking over charge at Arsenal. Aubameyang’s ability to play in the wider attacking role has allowed the Spaniard to deploy Alexandre Lacazette as the main number nine. That has to change, however, should Jovic arrive at the club.
A 4-4-2 formation with him and Lacazette leading the attack could make much more sense as both the strikers like to play in a central role. It could, however, force Arteta to sacrifice at least one of his creative players due to Jovic operating as a centre forward.
On the positive side, the Serbian’s partnership with Lacazette will make Arsenal much more effective in the first line of press.
During his short stint at Real Madrid, it has become clear that Jovic is incapable of leading the attack all by himself. Even at Eintracht Frankfurt, the youngster had the support of Sebastien Haller and Arsenal need to do the same if they are to extract his full potential.
A more direct brand of football
Arsenal, predictably, have embraced the technically astute tactical style of Arteta this season. However, they need to be much more direct in the final third.
Players like Mesut Ozil have performed well under the Spaniard. But, the ex-Real Madrid superstar often slows the game down, allowing the opposition to organise themselves at the back. And that’s where the presence of Jovic could come in handy.
The Serbian international is a dynamic centre-forward. He can not only make clever movements in the final third but can also pull strings by tracking back and linking up with fellow attackers. Thanks to his technical prowess and pace, the youngster is quite effective on the counter.
Therefore, Jovic is more likely to thrive at Arsenal if they play with more directness and provide better support to the attacker in the final third. They already boast the services of a host of talented individuals so it will be interesting if the Gunners do make a move for the Real Madrid ace in the summer.
