Arsenal are looking to strengthen their forward line and midfield options but they may also have to weigh up signing some extra cover in defence
15:07, 28 Jul 2026
Mikel Arteta's record-breaking defence has been so solid, it has resembled The Great Wall of Arsenal.
In each of the past three Premier League seasons, the Gunners have boasted the tightest backline in the entire division.
Over the past 114 top-flight matches, they have conceded just 90 goals - an average of just 0.78 per game. If Arsenal are to retain the title, they must maintain such slick standards.
Their style may not be to everyone's liking but they are the toughest nut to crack in all of European football.
This time around, consistently keeping opponents at bay already looks more complex in the absence of the sidelined William Saliba.
While there is no timeframe for his return - he aggravated a serious back issue while playing through the pain barrier at the World Cup - he's poised to embark on a sustained period of rest.
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That already places extra pressure on the shoulders of young prospect Cristhian Mosquera, who chopped down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the Champions League final defeat to PSG while filling in at right-back.
Mosquera has huge potential and is viewed as reliable cover, however, Gabriel Magalhaes has also endured fitness issues of his own, not least recurring pain in his right knee.
The 28-year-old is yet to report back for pre-season training following his bruising World Cup exploits with Brazil.
He, like Declan Rice, is one of several key Arsenal players that pushed his body to its limit last season in pursuit of domestic and continental glory.
His condition will need to be monitored as he is at risk of suffering burnout this season. Despite Arsenal prioritising the signings of Vinicius Junior and Brazil team-mate Bruno Guimaraes, there is a sense they are still a little light on the ground at the back.
Ben White is in training following his MCL injury, sustained in the vital 1-0 win at West Ham in May, but again, he will need to be slowly integrated into match action.
Prior to his injury, the Gunners had been considering a sale but his recovery programme, plus the lack of top quality replacement options, means he might yet stay.
Jurrien Timber was forced to withdraw from Holland's World Cup squad and he underwent a minor groin procedure after missing a large chunk of the run-in with a problematic muscular issue that was slow to heal.
Left-back Riccardo Calafiori can also operate in central defence but he too has had various fitness problems having missed 13 games last term.
It's why the champions may yet delve into the market for a Swiss army knife-type signing - a profile that can play in multiple roles across the backline.
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Ezri Konsa - valued at up to £60million - is their top defensive target but Aston Villa are reluctant to sell as they're trying to tie the England international down to a fresh contract after losing Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans.
Como's Jacobo Ramon is also appreciated but Real Madrid are due a 50 per cent cut of any sale, complicating the Italian club's negotiating stance.
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