The Frenchman is open to the idea of returning to the tried and tested formation.
Arsene Wenger revealed his press conference ahead of the Premier League clash with Hull City on Tuesday that Arsenal could play 4-4-2 when Olivier Giroud returns from injury.
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The France international is currently out with a foot problem, but is expected to return before Christmas and with new £16m signing Danny Welbeck also in good form Wenger may well play both of them upfront.
“We haven’t got that balance at the moment. In Europe it’s very difficult in particular, but you will certainly see it [4-4-2] during the season,” the 64-year-old was quoted by the Independent.
Here is what that formation could look like.
GK – Wojciech Szczesny
New signing David Ospina has hardly impressed since his summer move and Szczesny still remains the best choice between the sticks for the Gunners.
RB – Mathieu Debuchy
Signed from Newcastle United to replace the departing Bacary Sagna and already looks to be a better prospect that his fellow Frenchman at right-back.
CB – Per Mertesacker
Although Calum Chambers has impressed since his £16m summer switch from Southampton, Mertesacker remains the better choice in central defence even if his lack of pace is a problem.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
A top-class centre-back who could arguably be considered among the best in the league and possesses great technique and passing ability – something not always seen from players in his position.
LB – Kieran Gibbs
Wenger has put faith in the 24-year-old and he is now repaying that with his fine performances and Gibbs is certainly a much better prospect than Nacho Monreal at left-back.
RM – Alexis Sanchez
Signed from FC Barcelona for a whopping £35m over the summer and has looked sharp, but needs to now kick on and prove he was worth the expenditure – although in this XI would have to do that from right midfield.
CM – Aaron Ramsey
Established as one of the best midfielders in the English top tier now, although the Wales international needs to find a way to have more consistent fitness with injuries disrupting his development.
CM – Jack Wilshere
Has been used in a holding role in the England national team and with the form of captain Mikel Arteta waning, Wenger will be hoping the 22-year-old can do the same for his club side.
LM – Mesut Ozil
Although prefers the No.10 role, in a 4-4-2 formation the German would be pushed out wide and could even lose his place altogether with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott waiting on the sidelines.
ST – Olivier Giroud
Injured himself early on in the campaign and there were fears the striker would not play again until 2015, but his recovery has been swifter than expected and the 27-year-old could be back in the team before Christmas.
ST – Danny Welbeck
Joined from Manchester United on transfer deadline day on September 1 and has since scored four goals for the North Londoners, including his first professional hat-trick during the 4-1 Champions League victory over Galatasaray.