Granit Xhaka's new role in Arsenal’s Wolves win hints at Mikel Arteta's summer transfer demand

The return of Premier League football for Arsenal after eighteen days without a fixture saw the reintegration of both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka into the starting line-up, but how the pair were positioned came as quite a surprise.

Instead of the typical 4-2-3-1 system that Arsenal fans have been accustomed to recently, Xhaka took on a new role, as did the Ghanaian international. Martin Odegaard joined the duo in midfield but it was the Swiss captain who he was partnered with.

Partey was instead occupying a sole number six position behind the newly formed pair. The Norwegian’s deeper position suits his style to keep the play ticking over similar to how Santi Cazorla performed alongside Francis Coquelin.

However, with the central midfield an area expected to be developed in the near future, Xhaka’s new role in the side could perhaps give Arsenal supporters a greater clue as to what Arteta will be looking for.

Instead of the defensive midfielder that many have felt has been needed, a No. 8 to play ahead of Partey, instead of partnering him, could be the way forward.

Arthur Melo was pursued in January; he too can play in the role that Xhaka was tasked with. Bruno Guimaraes, who joined Newcastle despite long-lasting interest from Arsenal, again fits the remit.

Youri Tielemans, Renato Sanches, Joan Jordan and Ruben Neves, the latter of whom was a problem for Arsenal throughout the game on Thursday night, unsurprisingly have been linked with moves to the Gunners. This group furthers the idea that Arteta is clearly looking for a midfielder who can operate in both halves of the field with an added level of dynamism.

Arteta was keen to bring back Dani Ceballos on loan for a second season from Real Madrid. The Spanish