Despite Chelsea’s apparent priority in signing Jamie Gittens, Arsenal’s tactical setup provides an ideal platform for the Borussia Dortmund winger to flourish. Here’s exactly how the 20-year-old would integrate into the Gunners’ starting eleven.

Arsenal’s Current System

Arsenal typically operates in a 1-3-2-2-3 formation during build-up phases, switching between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations with increased pressing intensity. Their preferred XI features: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice; Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli; with Merino (or Kai Havertz) operating in various attacking phases.

Direct Replacement for Gabriel Martinelli

The most obvious role for Gittens would be as a direct replacement for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing. While Martinelli has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency throughout the 2024-25 season has frustrated Arsenal fans. Gittens offers several key advantages in this position.

At 175cm, Gittens provides better aerial presence in attacking situations while maintaining the pace that makes Arsenal’s left flank dangerous. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one would provide the consistent wide threat Arsenal have occasionally lacked when Martinelli has struggled for form.

His crossing ability from wide positions would complement Arsenal’s attacking approach perfectly. With players like Kai Havertz and Declan Rice arriving late in the box, Gittens’ delivery could create additional goal-scoring opportunities that Arsenal have sometimes missed.

Tactical Flexibility and Integration

Arsenal’s ability to switch formations during matches would suit Gittens’ versatility perfectly. In 4-3-3, he operates as a traditional left winger, while in 4-2-3-1, he could function as an attacking midfielder, cutting inside to create central overloads.

His pace would be particularly valuable in transition moments. The combination of Gittens’ speed and Martin Ødegaard’s passing range could create devastating counter-attacks, forcing opposing teams to maintain deeper defensive lines and creating more space for Arsenal’s technical players.

The winger’s work rate and defensive contribution align with Arteta’s demanding system, where his willingness to track back and support the left-back fits Arsenal’s high-pressing approach perfectly.

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Impact with Arsenal’s Star Players

Gittens’ relationship with Martin Ødegaard could be particularly fruitful, with the Norwegian’s passing range perfectly suited to finding Gittens in dangerous positions. The connection with Bukayo Saka would provide Arsenal with genuine pace on both wings for the first time in years.

Declan Rice’s presence would benefit Gittens’ game significantly. Rice’s ability to cover ground and break up play would provide defensive security, allowing Gittens to focus on attacking contributions with reliable cover behind him.

Solving Arsenal’s Attacking Issues

Currently, Arsenal struggle against deep defenses that can commit extra defenders to marking Saka, knowing Martinelli’s inconsistency limits the left-wing threat. Gittens’ presence would fundamentally change these dynamics.

His ability to stretch play vertically would create space for central players, while his pace in behind would force defenders deeper. This would be particularly valuable in matches where Arsenal dominate possession but struggle to create clear chances.

Conclusion

While Chelsea may hold the advantage in pursuing Gittens, the tactical argument for his Arsenal move remains compelling. His profile addresses specific weaknesses while complementing existing strengths. If Arsenal can convince Gittens to look beyond his Chelsea preference, they would be signing a player perfectly suited to their tactical needs and capable of elevating their attacking threat significantly.

While Jamie Gittens may currently prefer a move to Chelsea, Arsenal should continue their pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund winger. Despite the player’s apparent preference for Stamford Bridge, the tactical and strategic benefits of bringing Gittens to the Emirates Stadium are undeniable. Here are 3 compelling reasons why the 20-year-old could be the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s attacking puzzle.

1. The Pace Arsenal Have Been Desperately Missing

Arsenal’s biggest tactical weakness over the past two seasons has been their lack of genuine pace on the flanks. While Gabriel Martinelli offers speed, his inconsistency and tendency to drift infield has left Arsenal predictable in wide areas. Gittens brings the kind of raw pace that can stretch defenses vertically and create the space Arsenal’s technical players thrive in.

The England U21 international’s ability to beat defenders in foot races fundamentally changes how opponents approach defending against Arsenal. Teams that have successfully nullified the Gunners by sitting deep and compact would be forced to account for Gittens’ pace behind their defensive line, creating opportunities for through balls and opening up space for Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka to operate.

His pace isn’t just about straight-line speed; Gittens possesses the acceleration and change of direction that makes him impossible to defend in one-on-one situations. This quality has been evident throughout his breakthrough season at Dortmund, where he’s consistently been one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous wingers in transition moments.

2. Tactical Flexibility That Suits Mikel Arteta’s System

Arteta’s tactical evolution has increasingly relied on players who can operate in multiple positions and adapt to different phases of play. Gittens’ versatility makes him an ideal fit for this approach. The winger can operate as a traditional wide player, an inverted winger cutting inside, or even as a wing-back in certain defensive phases.

His ability to track back and contribute defensively has impressed scouts throughout the season, showing the kind of work rate and tactical discipline that Arteta demands from his wide players. Unlike many pace-focused wingers who can be defensive liabilities, Gittens has shown maturity in his positioning and willingness to help his full-back.

The winger’s technical ability on the ball also allows him to participate in Arsenal’s intricate passing combinations. His passing accuracy and decision-making in tight spaces have improved significantly under Edin Terzić, suggesting he could adapt well to Arsenal’s possession-heavy style while providing the direct threat they’ve been missing.

3. Long-Term Investment in Arsenal’s Future

At 20 years old, Gittens represents exactly the kind of long-term investment Arsenal have been making in their recruitment strategy. His age profile aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s core group of young players, potentially forming relationships with teammates like Saka, Ødegaard, and William Saliba that could define the club for the next decade.

The financial outlay required for Gittens, while substantial at around £55 million, represents excellent value when considering his potential for development. His Champions League experience with Dortmund provides valuable European pedigree, while his familiarity with English football through his academy days suggests he could adapt quickly to the Premier League’s demands.

Perhaps most importantly, Gittens has shown the kind of mentality and work ethic that suggests he could thrive under Arteta’s demanding tactical approach. His progression at Dortmund demonstrates his ability to learn and adapt, qualities that would be crucial in making the step up to a title-challenging Arsenal side.

The Opportunity Arsenal Cannot Afford to Miss

Despite Gittens’ apparent preference for Chelsea, Arsenal should continue their pursuit with confidence. The Gunners can offer guaranteed first-team football, a clear pathway to development, and the chance to be part of a young, ambitious project under one of Europe’s most promising coaches.

While Chelsea’s interest remains strong, their squad depth and tactical uncertainty could work in Arsenal’s favor. The opportunity to convince Gittens that the Emirates Stadium is the ideal environment for his development remains open, and Arsenal should look to seize it.

Arsenal remain interested in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens despite the 20-year-old’s apparent preference for a move to Chelsea, with the Blues continuing their relentless pursuit after multiple rejected bids. The Gunners are closely monitoring the situation as Mikel Arteta seeks to add pace and directness to his attacking options.

Chelsea have had multiple bids rejected by Dortmund, including a £42 million offer on the recent deadline, with the German club demanding nearly £55 million for their prized asset. Despite the substantial interest from Stamford Bridge, Arsenal have identified Gittens as a potential summer target, though reports suggest the England U21 international has rebuffed Arsenal’s advances and prefers a switch to Chelsea.

The situation has created an intriguing three-way dynamic. Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Gittens as other wing targets have become increasingly unlikely, viewing the former Manchester City academy graduate as an ideal addition to their squad. However, Chelsea’s persistent approach and the player’s apparent preference for a return to West London complicates Arsenal’s pursuit.

Jamie Gittens is coming off a good season with Borussia Dortmund

Gittens has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dortmund, showcasing the pace and technical ability that has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young wingers. His development under Edin Terzić has been impressive, with the winger becoming a key player for BVB and establishing himself as a consistent threat from wide positions.

For Arsenal, Gittens represents exactly what they’ve been searching for in their quest to add genuine pace to their attack. His ability to stretch defenses and create space for teammates would complement their possession-heavy style, while his versatility to operate across multiple positions aligns with Arteta’s tactical preferences. The Gunners have especially looked weak from the left flank, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard not being at their best often.

The financial implications remain significant for both London clubs. Dortmund are reportedly demanding €65 million for Gittens, a fee that would represent a substantial investment for either Arsenal or Chelsea. The German club’s firm stance on their valuation has already frustrated Chelsea’s attempts to secure a deal.

While there is interest from Spain and Italy, the player’s preference is reportedly a return to his home nation, having previously spent time in both Chelsea and Manchester City’s academy systems before moving to Dortmund in 2020.

Arsenal’s interest appears to be genuine, with reports suggesting they have identified Gittens as a potential transfer target, but their chances may depend on Chelsea’s negotiations faltering. The Blues’ continued pursuit and apparent player preference suggests Arsenal may need to look elsewhere for their wing reinforcement.

The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining whether Arsenal can convince Gittens to consider the Emirates Stadium as his preferred destination, or if Chelsea’s persistence will eventually break Dortmund’s resolve.