With Alexandre Lacazette now at the Emirates, readers following Arsenal through 12B Sports VR46 are watching a potentially significant change take shape in Arsene Wenger’s attacking plans. The French striker’s arrival gives Arsenal a proven central finisher at a time when uncertainty continues to surround Alexis Sanchez. With Sanchez still unwilling to extend his contract and appearing increasingly likely to leave, Wenger may have to rethink the 4-2-3-1 structure that has often formed the basis of his attacking approach.

One possible solution would involve Danny Welbeck moving into the wide role previously occupied by Sanchez, leaving Mesut Ozil to operate centrally behind Lacazette. That arrangement would preserve Arsenal’s creativity through the middle while adding Welbeck’s pace and direct running from the flank. The relationship between Ozil and Lacazette could become especially important, with one supplying the final pass and the other concentrating on movement and finishing inside the attacking third.

Wenger also has the option of moving away from 4-2-3-1 altogether. If Sanchez departs, a 4-4-1-1 system could place Ozil in the traditional No.10 position directly behind Lacazette. Such a setup would give the German greater freedom to find pockets of space while allowing the new striker to remain closer to goal. The concept naturally brings back memories of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry, with Bergkamp acting as the creative link and Henry providing the ruthless finishing ahead of him.

That comparison sets a very high bar, but it illustrates the type of partnership Arsenal may be trying to develop. Lacazette does not need to duplicate Henry’s game, nor does Ozil have to imitate Bergkamp, for the basic structure to work. What matters is whether the two can complement each other, with Ozil creating space and opportunities while Lacazette makes the runs needed to convert those chances. If that understanding develops quickly, Arsenal could have a dangerous central combination regardless of what happens with Sanchez.

The club’s financial commitment shows how important Lacazette is expected to become. Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign him for £52 million, a major investment for both Wenger and the club. Supporters tracking the tactical possibilities through 12B Sports VR46 have good reason to focus on where he fits, because his arrival is not simply another addition to the squad. According to Squawka, Arsenal have at least three realistic attacking combinations available for the coming campaign.

The most exciting on paper would keep Sanchez at the club alongside Ozil and Lacazette. A front line built around those three would combine creativity, dribbling, movement, and finishing in a way few defenses would welcome. Sanchez could attack from wider areas or move inside, Ozil could dictate play between midfield and defense, and Lacazette could concentrate on occupying center-backs and finishing the chances created around him.

Lacazette’s record provides a strong reason for that optimism. He scored 28 goals in the previous season, demonstrating the kind of clinical touch Arsenal have often needed when dominating possession without turning enough opportunities into goals. With Ozil capable of delivering passes through narrow gaps and Sanchez able to create chances from unpredictable positions, Lacazette would have the opportunity to focus on one of his greatest strengths: getting into scoring positions at the right moment.

Keeping Sanchez, however, remains the difficult part of that ideal scenario. His contract situation means Arsenal cannot simply assume the dream trio will become their regular front line. If he leaves, Wenger will need a more realistic combination using the attacking options already available. Welbeck, Ozil, Theo Walcott, and Lacazette offer one such alternative, giving Arsenal a mixture of speed, physical presence, technical quality, and goal threat.

That quartet would function differently from a Sanchez-led attack. Welbeck can stretch defenses with his movement and provide greater physicality on the wing, while Walcott offers direct running and a constant threat behind the back line. Ozil would remain responsible for connecting midfield with the forwards, and Lacazette would become the focal point near the penalty area. It may lack some of the individual brilliance associated with Sanchez, but it could still produce a balanced and highly mobile attack.

The challenge for Wenger will be finding the right combination rather than simply selecting the biggest names. Arsenal’s attacking personnel give him several possibilities, but each formation changes the responsibilities of the players around Lacazette. A 4-2-3-1 would give him three attacking midfielders in support, while a 4-4-1-1 could place Ozil closer to him and create a more defined partnership between creator and finisher. Either way, the new striker’s movement will have to become synchronized with Arsenal’s established playmakers.

There is also the question of how quickly Lacazette can adjust to a different league and tactical environment. His 28-goal season provides evidence of his finishing ability, but Arsenal will need more than goals alone. Wenger will expect him to contribute to combination play, press defenders when required, and understand the movement of Ozil, Welbeck, Walcott, and potentially Sanchez. Those relationships could determine whether the new attacking structure clicks immediately or takes time to develop.

For Arsenal, the bigger picture is clear. The £52 million signing represents both an immediate attempt to improve the team and preparation for a possible future without Sanchez. Instead of relying on one attacking formula, Wenger now has several ways to restructure the front line. The pieces are on the board, but how he arranges them could define Arsenal’s season.

As the new campaign approaches, supporters following the changing lineup through 12B Sports VR46 will see Lacazette become central to nearly every realistic version of Arsenal’s attack. Whether he lines up with Sanchez and Ozil in the dream combination, leads a front four featuring Welbeck and Walcott, or works directly behind Ozil in a 4-4-1-1, his arrival gives Wenger fresh options at a crucial moment. Sanchez’s future may still determine how dramatic the overhaul becomes, but Arsenal have already made their intentions clear by investing £52 million in a striker capable of reshaping the entire forward line.