football.london writers have their say on who Arsenal should look to sign as cover for William Saliba this summer
07:00, 24 Jul 2026
William Saliba is expected to be out of action "for an extended period" as the Arsenal defender starts his rehabilitation from a painful back injury.
The centre-back has been managing the issue for a number of months now and was forced off during France's World Cup semi-final loss to Spain after just 30 minutes. The 25-year-old does not require surgery but he will instead "commence a managed recovery programme".
It's understood Arsenal are interested in signing a defender this summer, potentially as cover for Saliba, with John Stones, Maxence Lacroix and Ezri Konsa three names considered. So, what should Arsenal do and who should they look to sign? football.london's writers have their say below!
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Sam Truelove
The first thing I will say is Arsenal do already have Ben White in the squad, although he is perhaps seen as more of a right-back now and has also been linked with a move away this summer. Cristhian Mosquera is another option but, again, he can also play right-back. It's just whether Arteta sees someone like White or Mosquera capable of replacing Saliba for a prolonged period of time.
For me, personally, I would look at signing John Stones. The England international is now a free agent having left Manchester City and could be a bargain. Yes, his wages are likely to be high but he could sign on a one-year contract, with the option of a second, which may suit both the player and the club given his injury issues.
Stones would add experience into the squad as well as a winning mentality as the Gunners look to build on their Premier League title win last season. Once Saliba is back, too, there would not be a need to rush him back given Stones, White and Mosquera would be the right sided centre-back options.
Kieran King
For me, I would look at signing Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. Yes, he might cost around £50million, but I think it would be worthwhile given that he was one of the best defenders in the Premier League last season.
In the short-term, Konsa would be able to slot in alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back. And then once Saliba is back to full fitness, Konsa can move across to right-back where he impressed for England at the World Cup.
While he does turn 29 in November, Arsenal would still get at least three if not more years of Konsa in his prime - and he has the potential to make the Gunners even better at the back.
John Stones is a cost-effective option and I do like that move, but if Arsenal want to keep building and improving, I think bringing in someone like Konsa would be a real statement.
Jake Stokes
Arsenal should sign John Stones. Although the former Manchester City defender struggled to stay fit last season, it wasn't that long ago that he was considered one of the best in the world in his position, and he showed his quality for England at the World Cup.
With two, sometimes three games a week, and potentially up to 60 fixtures in a campaign, Mikel Arteta needs a top centre-half to provide cover for William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera without blocking Marli Salmon's pathway into the first-team.
The Gunners would be able to carefully manage Stones' workload, keep him fit, and roll him out sparingly over the course of the season. The 32-year-old would be an excellent addition to the squad, on and off the pitch.
Stones would have little expectation of starting every game; he'd offer great quality when called upon and provide valuable support to the younger players in the dressing room. Although someone like Ezri Konsa would arguably be a better option on paper, he'll command a huge fee and probably expect to play far more than required.
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Ultimately, Arteta already has Saliba and Mosquera to choose from at right centre-half, as well as Jurrien Timber and Ben White at right-back. Unless either of those four leave this summer, I don't think Arsenal need to break the bank on a right-sided defender.