Arsenal have been plunged into a defensive crisis after it was confirmed that William Saliba has been ruled out for an ‘extended period’ with a back injury, forcing the Premier League champions to accelerate plans to sign a centre-back this summer. The Gunners are now considering Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and former Manchester City defender John Stones, who is available as a free agent, as potential replacements for the title-winning Frenchman.
The setback has also intensified Arsenal’s pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, though the Magpies are growing frustrated by the lack of formal contact from the north London club. Newcastle are holding out for a fee similar to the potential £100m Sandro Tonali move to Tottenham, suggesting a protracted transfer saga may be in store. Meanwhile, Arsenal are also monitoring Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Moroccan who impressed at the World Cup, but Manchester City are leading the race for the €100m-rated youngster after PSG pulled out.
“Arsenal seek centre-backs after William Saliba ruled out for extended period with back injury.”
At Liverpool, manager Andoni Iraola has made no secret of his priorities, stating the Reds ‘definitely need to sign a winger’. The club have turned their attention to Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, while PSG’s Bradley Barcola remains a target. Manchester United are still looking to add another midfielder after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and are in talks with Roma for France international Manu Kone.
Chelsea, who recently completed a record £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, have agreed to loan Alejandro Garnacho to Villa. Tottenham, meanwhile, have left goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario out of their 35-man squad for the pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia, citing a ‘minor knock’, with the Italian expected to leave the club. Midfielder Lucas Bergvall has travelled, despite Newcastle having a £46m bid rejected and Spurs turning down a lower approach from Nottingham Forest for the 20-year-old Swede, who is under contract until 2031.
With the transfer window still open, the fallout from Saliba’s injury could yet reshape Arsenal’s summer plans – and potentially those of their rivals.
