Arsenal great Emmanuel Petit has urged the Premier League champions to make one final defensive addition before the summer transfer window closes, warning that injuries could seriously undermine Mikel Arteta’s hopes of retaining the title.
The Gunners enter the new campaign as reigning champions after finishing seven points clear of Manchester City last season, and they have already strengthened their squad during the summer. However, Petit believes Arteta should not be satisfied with his current options at the heart of the defence.
Arsenal have suffered a defensive setback with William Saliba sidelined by a back injury, while Jurrien Timber has also been dealing with a groin problem. The club have responded by signing England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported £55 million including add-ons.
Despite Konsa’s arrival, Petit believes further defensive depth could still prove valuable over what promises to be another demanding season
‘Look at the midfield players at Arsenal, Merino and Zubimendi are World and European Champions,’ Petit told Grosvenor Sport.
‘Then you have Bruno Guimaraes, who is for me one of the best midfield players in the Premier League.
‘Look at Martin Odegaard; he is playing with the same quality I saw during the World Cup. I hope he avoids injury, but you have so many great players with that same style of football.
‘You can also add Declan Rice to that list of great midfield players, so I’m not worried about that area. I have no doubt that Arteta will find the perfect solution for rotation.
‘They have so many games to play that everyone will be happy and get their chance. My only concern for ARSENAL is the central defensive positions.
The need for reinforcement could become particularly significant at the start of the campaign. Arsenal are attempting to defend their Premier League crown while returning to Champions League competition, increasing the number of matches Arteta’s squad will have to navigate.
The summer transfer window remains open until 11 p.m. UK time on Sept. 1, leaving ARSENAL with a limited period to determine whether another centre-back should be added
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