Arteta should now sign £37m star at Arsenal and change his position to become the new Bergkamp – opinion

In recent years at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has proven that he can get the best out of players by deploying them in new positions.

Granit Xhaka is the prime example of how well Arteta profiles players, as the Swiss international went from struggling as a number six to becoming an excellent left-sided attacking midfielder in his final season at Arsenal.

Similarly, Mikel Merino has impressed as a striker for the Gunners despite being a midfielder by trade — with Mikel Arteta deserving all the credit in the world for converting him into a makeshift number nine.

While Arsenal will have money to spend this summer, Arteta will also have to be at his best tactically to unleash the best out of any potential new signings.

Arsenal are keen on signing Rodrygo Goes, who looks set to leave Real Madrid in the summer and in the Spanish capital, he is yet to have found his best position.

Mikel Arteta should convert Rodrygo into a second striker if Arsenal sign him

Rodrygo Goes has mostly played on the right-wing for Los Blancos and while he is a natural left-winger, he is yet to have persuaded Carlo Ancelotti to make him his go-to man in his favoured role.

But one area of the pitch where the two-time Champions League winner has thrived at Real Madrid is centrally, either as a false nine or stationed in behind a number nine.

Arsenal offered Viktor Gyokeres a contract and if they do end up signing the Swede as well as Rodrygo, Mikel Arteta should convert the latter into a second striker in the mould of Dennis Bergkamp.

While the £37.9 million (Athletic) man does not possess Bergkamp’s sublime quality, the 24-year-old is also an incredible technician, has an eye for goal, can create chances and will while also running in behind defences — making him the perfect fit to play behind a number nine.

Mikel Arteta might have some reservations playing Rodrygo as a de-facto number 10 because he might fear that Arsenal could be left brutally exposed in midfield.

However, the Spaniard could simply field the decorated wideman as an inside forward and considering Arsenal appreciate Milos Kerkez, the Hungarian could provide the width to left him drift inside.

Rodrygo could be the ideal partner for Gyokeres at Arsenal, taking into account the number of goals Pedro Goncalves has scored at Sporting CP by simply running beyond a big target man like him.

With Declan Rice admitting Martin Odegaard’s form has dipped, if the Norwegian’s woes continue next season, the Los Merengues speedster could be the perfect alternative to him in a central position.

Rodrygo stats as a false nine and a second striker

Real Madrid are prepared to sell Rodrygo if an offer arrives and ultimately, the final decision lies in Andrea Berta’s hands whether he fits into Arsenal’s plans.

Arsenal have a £300 million transfer war chest and while attacking midfielder Xavi Simons is on the Gunners’ radar as well, the Brazilian could play a similar role to him in a slightly different position.

Judging by the stats, Rodrygo is terrific when played centrally as well.

As a false nine, Rodrygo has registered an impressive 30 goal involvements (22 goals and eight assists) in 82 appearances.

While as an second striker, the Arsenal target has provided an assist in three appearances which shows that if his position is tweaked at the Emirates Stadium, he could terrorise defences.

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