Been meaning to tweet this thread out, so: I see there being a clear reason why Arteta has been so keen on bringing in another CB - specifically a left-footed CB that is comfortable in possession and can play in a back 4 (whether that be Gabriel or someone else)... [1]

What's been clear from Arteta so far is that he follows Pep's insistence on the use of a left-footed CB to exploit more/better angles playing out from the back.

This explains why bringing in Mari was of such immediate importance to Arteta upon arriving at the club. [2]

We didn't even have a left-footed CB so it made sense to bring in Mari for MA to implement his plans, even if he wasn't as talented defensively and we were stacked at CB.

That's why he started in a 433 vs City after the restart. We only played a back 4 twice after that game. [3]

Mari's injury arguably a catalyst for the change to the 343 so that we can field a less conventional CB in either Kolasinac or Tierney (both left-footed) at LCB.

Also worth noting it provided more protection for (great passer) David Luiz, who's much better in a back 3... [4]

So while KT was comfortable + progressive in possession, Kola was less so, so perhaps it was mainly to protect Luiz? I'm not sure tbh but it's interesting how he stuck with a left-footer at LCB.

However the players we're looking to sign suggest Arteta wants to return to 433. [5]

If that's the case, it's likely he'll be less keen on relying on David Luiz (talented as he is) given how much more error-prone he is in a back 4.

Meanwhile Mari's the only left-footed CB comfortable playing out the back, but arguably not good enough to be a starter... [6]

So yeah this thread went on longer than expected, but basically even though we have like 500 CBs on our books we're lacking the right profile that Arteta wants, and probably feels he needs, to move from a 343 and play how he wants in a 433.

Which is why Gabriel makes sense. [7]