Arsenal are currently on course to enjoy their best season for a generation, with Mikel Arteta doing a phenomenal job to get the best out of the players at his disposal.
He’s led the Gunners to top spot in the Premier League after the first 22 outings, but doing so whilst building a seven-point gap to second-placed Manchester City.
His side have netted 40 times in such a period, the second-highest of any side in the division, with Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres the joint-top scorers on five.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match
However, defensively is where the club have starred this campaign, subsequently conceding just 14 times to date - with no other club conceding fewer than 20 goals.
The defensive solidity is what wins teams titles, but the backline could be about to be strengthened further in the near future, if recent reports are to be believed.
Arsenal preparing a move to land a Premier League star
In an attempt to bolster the centre-back department, Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet has constantly been monitored over recent months, with the youngster viewed as one of the best talents in Europe.
The likes of William Saliba and Gabriel currently hold the starting roles in such an area, but the Frenchman has been named as a possible reinforcement as of late.
jeremy-jacquet-stade-rennais
However, the Gunners faithful may be about to be disappointed, as it was revealed that Chelsea have stormed into the race and could now even sign the 20-year-old this month.
Jacquet isn’t the only defensive reinforcement that is currently being considered by the hierarchy, with Newcastle United star Tino Livramento another option on their radar.
According to CaughtOffside, Arteta’s men are huge admirers of the 23-year-old right-back at present, but they aren’t alone in that regard, as per the report.
It also states that Manchester City are currently seen as the favourites for the Englishman’s signature, which could result in a battle for his services in the near future.
Previous reports have suggested it could take around £60m to prise him away from St James' Park.
Why Livramento would be perfect for Saka at Arsenal
Over the last couple of seasons, winger Bukayo Saka has cemented himself as one of the division’s best talents, as seen his remarkable figures in the final third.
The English winger has scored 36 times across the last three seasons in the league alone, with the 24-year-old often being the man to provide the goods in front of goal.
This season, he’s featured in 20 matches under Arteta, subsequently registering seven goal contributions - with only fellow winger Trossard registering more to date.
That said, his output is down on last term and they need someone capable of giving him an extra spring in his step.
Saka in 2024-25 vs 2025-26
If the Gunners are to end their two-decade wait for a league trophy, they will need Saka to play a key role, and by landing a flying wing-back in the shape of Livramento, it could work wonders for the right-hand side of Arsenal's attack.
Any move would allow him to form a superb partnership with his compatriot, with his stats from the current campaign showcasing his ability in possession.
tino-livramento-newcastle
Livramento, who looks like a "future England captain" in the eyes of Theo Walcott, has completed 42% of his attempted dribbles, subsequently creating 0.9 chances per 90 in England’s top-flight.
Such numbers showcase his phenomenal ability when driving down the right-hand side, which could allow Saka to be the beneficiary at the Emirates should he make the move.
He’s also completed 32% of the crosses he’s attempted, alongside a 90% pass completion rate - which reaffirms his ability to create chances for those ahead of him.
Tino Livramento - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Dribbles completed
Chances created
Crosses completed
Pass accuracy
Ball recoveries made
Tackles won
Stats via FotMob
However, given his defensive role, the 23-year-old also needs to be capable of dominating without the ball - something which he has showcased in abundance in 2025/26.
Livramento has made 1.6 tackles per 90 so far this campaign, whilst also making 5.8 ball recoveries per 90 - with the latter tally ranking him in the top 5% of all defenders in the division.
Newcastle's Tino Livramento
It’s currently unclear how much the Magpies would demand to part ways with the youngster at present, but it’s evident that he’s a player who has all the tools to be a leading wing-back.
He will no doubt be the perfect option for Saka in North London, but given the interest from elsewhere, Arteta’s men may need to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his signature.
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[Arsenal's "future captain" needs to follow Ethan Nwaneri out the exit door](https://www.footballfancast.com/arsenal-lewis-skelly-needs-to-follow-nwaneri-out-of-the-club/ "Arsenal's "future captain" needs to follow Ethan Nwaneri out the exit door")
Like Nwaneri, it would be in the Arsenal star's best interests.