To me. Pepe is our most dangerous player and probably our best finisher. Whatever starting formation we play, there are certain players who just need to be in certain positions. Pepe and Martinelli need to be able to arrive in the box. Tierney needs to be wide and too the byline which means we need the same on the right. You then need a central pivot who can run in behind and be a threat in the air. Then depending on the situation you decide who the midfield 3 will be.One thing I am seeing a lot is suggestions of Buendia + 1 for AM. Even with Buendia (and even if 433) I start to think about impacts on Pepe, but that is all manageable, but if we bring one more in that potentially impacts both Pepe and Martinelli, especially if neither Laca or Auba leave this summer.
Regarding freedom to roam across our AM line, the overall balance with full backs and CM personnel is something to think about. I do like Buendia's energy to burn to even help out with defence, as well as pressing, that is something Arteta should like.
Tierney------Martinelli-------Pepe--------new RB
-----------------------------new cf
Bissouma, Partey, Buendia or ESR, Bissouma, Buendia. It's probably why Camavinga would be perfect. He allows you to go between a 4231 and 433.
The problem is Auba and Laca. They take up starting places in the wrong manner. The truth is both of them don't fit and we are stuck with them until we get rid of them both.