Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are already taking shape, and while much of the focus has been on attacking reinforcements, Mikel Arteta is also keen to strengthen his defence. According to reports, the Arsenal boss would welcome the addition of a new central defender to provide reliable cover and competition for his trusted pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
The Gunners enjoyed one of the best defensive records in the Premier League last season, largely due to the consistency and dominance of Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of the backline. However, with European football and domestic competitions demanding squad depth, Arteta is understood to be looking for reinforcements to ensure Arsenal can remain competitive across all fronts.
One name that continues to be mentioned within the club is Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a strong rise since leaving Chelsea and has established himself as one of the most composed and athletic centre-backs in the league. His performances for club and country have not gone unnoticed, and Arsenal’s recruitment team are known to be admirers.
Guehi has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, which could present Arsenal with a valuable opportunity to negotiate a favourable deal. Crystal Palace may be forced to sell to avoid losing the player on a free transfer next year, and that could drive down his price – a factor that certainly appeals to Arsenal’s decision-makers.
Despite this, one potential complication could be the player’s own ambitions. Guehi is entering the prime of his career and, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, will be eager to play regular first-team football. At Arsenal, he would be walking into a side with arguably the best centre-back duo in the country, and displacing either Gabriel or Saliba would be no easy feat. The challenge for Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta would be convincing Guehi that he has a genuine path to regular minutes.
Arsenal’s hierarchy have shown a clear intention to build a squad with depth and quality in every position, rather than relying too heavily on their starting XI. That strategy, while effective in the long run, does present recruitment hurdles – particularly when targeting players who are already starters at their current clubs.
If a deal for Guehi cannot be struck, Arsenal are expected to explore alternative targets who fit the same profile: young, athletic defenders with Premier League experience or top-level European pedigree. Arteta is known for being meticulous with his recruitment preferences, and any new signing must be comfortable in possession, tactically disciplined, and physically capable of handling the demands of Arsenal’s high line and aggressive pressing game.
Ultimately, while striker and winger remain Arsenal’s headline priorities this summer, the pursuit of defensive depth could prove equally crucial. Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion all loom large, and ensuring the club can call on a high-quality centre-back beyond Saliba and Gabriel may be the key to sustaining a serious title challenge next season.
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