Football London Icon
Arsenal
Arsenal News
Arsenal transfer news## Arsenal are thought to be open to signing a new defender on top of a new left-winger and central midfielder
16:16, 30 Jul 2026
William Saliba's back injury means Arsenal must assess the transfer landscape for a new defender.
Given Ben White and Jurrien Timber have also suffered fitness issues over the past few months, it makes sense to consider a profile that can play at both right centre-back and right-back.
Mikel Arteta, alongside Pep Guardiola, is a coach who has moulded several central defenders into full-backs - something he could do again if the correct market opportunity arises.
Arsenal like Ezri Konsa but Aston Villa are not willing to engage in talks after already losing Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers.
It would take a serious, big-money bid to entice Aston Villa into a sale as they're trying to tie Konsa down to fresh terms.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Como's Jacobo Ramon has been considered but Real Madrid are due a 50 per cent of any transfer fee, which complicates the picture.
Jon Martin of Real Sociedad is also a long-standing player of interest but he recently extended his contract in the Basque Country and is not thought to be available.
Scanning Europe's top-five leagues reveals a lack of credible options and it feels as though Andrea Berta's eye for talent will be put to the test if Arsenal are to strengthen their backline.
Arteta has said on record many times over the past few years that Arsenal won't just sign a body for the sake of it. Anyone that comes through the door must actively and instantly improve the squad.
But one particular profile would make plenty of sense for the Gunners: Atletico Madrid's Marc Pubill.
The 23-year-old is equally comfortable across both positions and really grew in stature in the latter months of the season at the Metropolitano.
He also showcased his fiery side in May when he became engulfed in confrontation after Arsenal defeated Atletico to reach the Champions League final.
Pubill was also part of the Spain squad that just lifted the World Cup, meaning he knows the likes of David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi fairly well.
It's unclear whether Atletico would be willing to sell, of course Arsenal have been monitoring developments around Julian Alvarez but if a deal can be struck for Pubill - they should consider it.
He's a hybrid player, at a great age with really impressive qualities and characteristics and would therefore tick a lot of boxes.
It is not clear whether there is interest at this stage, however, and given he only joined Atletico last summer from Almeria, it's hard to gauge his value and whether a transfer is even feasible.
Article continues below
Thousands of Arsenal fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Official premium experiences at the Emirates are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
Ryan Taylor
Ryan Taylor is a London-based Football Reporter who has worked across Reach's National titles since 2018. After graduating from the University of Brighton with a Sports Journalism degree, he previously climbed the ranks of the Daily Express, where he also covered boxing, before joining the Sunday Mirror as a Football Reporter in 2023. Ryan has developed a strong track record for breaking news on the London football beat.
Arsenal transfer news
Atletico