Over the last couple of seasons, Arsenal have become known for their incredible defensive record, which has no doubt made them Premier League title contenders.
Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded the fewest goals in each of the last two campaigns, with their impressive ability in the defensive third once again being apparent in 2025/26.
The Gunners have conceded just 10 goals in the first 16 league games of the season, a tally that is five fewer than any other side in the division at this stage.
mikel-arteta-arsenal-premier-league
The Spaniard has been able to rely upon the immediate quality within the backline, whilst also having phenomenal backup options - allowing for needed rotation.
However, such an area has become a huge problem in recent weeks, with Arteta simply being helpless to the issues that have arisen in North London as of late.
How Arsenal have been left short defensively
Arsenal’s most consistent backline in 2025/26 has often remained the same, which has no doubt contributed to their incredible defensive record this season.
Gabriel and William Saliba have often been the starting centre-backs, continuing their excellent partnership, with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori filling in at right and left-back respectively.
Arsenal's William Saliba reacts with Gabriel Magalhaes
However, such a unit has been ripped apart in recent weeks, with both centre-backs missing together during the end of November and start of December.
The Brazilian still remains sidelined, whilst the Frenchman has returned to the backline in recent weeks, subsequently helping Arteta’s men secure a 2-1 win over Wolves last weekend.
Backup centre-back Cristhian Mosquera subsequently filled one of the roles in the absence of Gabriel, but he too is still sidelined, after picking up an ankle injury against Brentford.
The Spaniard has now been out of action for nearly three weeks, but could yet miss another month of action before returning back to anywhere near full fitness.
Mosquera-Arsenal
As a result, the Gunners only have two fit centre-backs available at Arteta’s disposal, with Timber even filling in at the heart of the defence last week after Ben White’s injury.
The big-money star who could solve Arsenal’s defensive woes
With January appearing rapidly on the horizon, Arteta and the Arsenal board are faced with the opportunity to improve their squad, or rely on the options available to make it until the end of the season.
The Spaniard could call upon youth options if needed, but the 43-year-old will no doubt want Premier League-proven options to help the side in their hunt for title glory.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
There’s little doubt that Saliba and Gabriel would be the starting partnership when fully fit, but the pair have only been able to start alongside one another in just 56% of league outings.
Both have been plagued with various niggles which have disrupted their progress, which could force the board to renegotiate with clubs over deals for some of their former targets.
Countless defenders have been on their radar in previous months, but a deal for Murillo could make perfect sense in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Gunners have once again been linked with a move for the Nottingham Forest star in recent weeks, which could lead to a possible switch in January.
FFC in-text wider Murillo
However, any deal for the 23-year-old would likely be an expensive one, with the Brazilian penning a new long-term contract at the City Ground over the last couple of months.
Despite the prospect of a mammoth price tag, he would be worth every penny, with his numbers from the ongoing campaign showcasing his quality in and out of possession.
Murillo has completed 83% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with many of which being made forward rather than across the backline or back to his goalkeeper.
He’s completed 4.6 progressive passes per 90, whilst also registering 4.7 passes into the final third - potentially offering a creative option to Arteta’s squad.
Murillo - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
Tackles made
Interceptions made
Blocks made
Recoveries made
Stats via FBref
However, his defensive numbers are just as impressive, subsequently winning 1.6 tackles and making 2.1 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this season.
Such numbers have led to the Brazilian receiving huge credit in recent times, with journalist Dean Jones labelling the youngster as “one of the best in the Premier League”.
Nottingham Forest's Murillo celebrates scoring their first goal
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Forest star would cost, it’s apparent that he would be a phenomenal addition for Arteta and his first-team squad.
He could offer an immediate and long-term solution to the issues to the problems at centre-back, which could help the club become serial winners in England’s top-flight.
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