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Report: Arteta could use ‘quality’ player as a number 10 at Arsenal next season

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is apparently considering using Willian as a number 10 this season, ESPN report.

Willian has usually played down the wing for Chelsea for almost the entirety of his time at Stamford Bridge, but Arteta believes that the Brazilian could actually be the man to solve Arsenal’s creative issues.

Arteta suggested that his forward players needed to find a way to break down defences with more consistency towards the back end of last term, and Willian has been brought in to help in that regard.

Arteta has already labelled the experienced forward as a ‘quality player’ since signing him (Mirror), and is believed to feel that he could bring a lot of Arsenal’s team.

If Willian is used as a central playmaker it could be very intriguing to see how he copes.

The 32-year-old does possess the technical ability to play in the position, but his best form has always come from out wide.

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arteta’s rather unexpected decision may be influenced by Willian’s age, as he is likely to lose some pace considering his advancing years.

Arsenal also have strong options out wide, but are less well stocked in attacking midfield, especially with Mesut Ozil seemingly set to be frozen out again.