Arsenal step up summer search for defensive cover
Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on a new central defender this summer as they look for cover after William Saliba aggravated a back injury on international duty at the World Cup. The Gunners are closing in on the £75million signing of Bruno Guimaraes and are exploring a blockbuster deal for Vinicius Junior, but a new defender is also being targeted.
Saliba was replaced in France's semi-final defeat to Spain after going down injured, with new Chelsea signing Mazence Lacroix brought on as his replacement. Head coach Didier Deschamps did not risk Saliba during the third-placed play-off against England, though he did name the Arsenal defender on the substitutes' bench.
Arsenal released a medical update four days later following Saliba's return to London from the United States. The club confirmed he is expected to miss part of the new season and will be sidelined for a prolonged spell as he undertakes a managed recovery programme.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners will bring in a new defender to cover for Saliba.
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Deschamps revealed ahead of France's final game that Saliba had been managing the injury since March. He said:
William Saliba got injured, and it's problematic. He went through some examinations, and the injury did not worsen. He has faced that injury since March; he had some pain, and unfortunately, the pain was not bearable
Arsenal, however, maintain that thorough assessments have determined that surgery is not required. Specialist evaluations established that the injury would necessitate a period of rehabilitation instead.
Back troubles previously affected Saliba three years ago. His 2022/23 season was brought to an end prematurely after injuring his back during the second leg of Arsenal's Europa League last-16 encounter against Sporting. He was sidelined for the final 11 Premier League matches and missed four of France's European Championship qualifiers as well. Saliba made his comeback four months afterwards during Arsenal's pre-season programme.
The club have brought in defenders Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori since that period, but may have to bring in further defensive reinforcements. This summer, the former has featured as a right-sided centre half, partnering Gabriel against Girona, with boss Mikel Arteta evidently grooming him to deputise for Saliba. Ben White represents another alternative who can shift infield from right-back to operate centrally.
Arsenal, though, continue to monitor the market for cover. England international Ezri Konsa was said to be under consideration, but Aston Villa's asking price in excess of £50m hampers any prospective transfer. Former Man City defender John Stones was also considered before joining Inter on a free transfer, while Arsenal have also been linked with other defenders.
Arsenal are on the brink of landing a statement signing regarding Guimaraes, after agreeing a £75m deal with Newcastle United for their captain. The Gunners are also hopeful of pulling off one of the transfers of the summer by signing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, who is in the final 12 months of his contract at the Bernabeu.
The move for more defensive cover comes amid broader transfer activity that has already been heavily discussed in recent weeks. In our earlier coverage of Arsenal's £75m bid for Bruno Guimaraes, the Gunners were also said to be closing in on a centre-back, underlining how Mikel Arteta's side are trying to strengthen in several areas at once. Those plans now appear to be moving forward alongside the Vinicius Junior pursuit.
