The first transfer window of the summer has now been open for a week, and all the headlines surrounding Arsenal have been dominated by their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
Whether it's RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, or Real Madrid's Rodrygo, Mikel Arteta appears determined to bolster his forward line before the new season kicks off in August. However, there are still question marks further back, with several members of Arsenal’s backline facing uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium.
It was only last summer that the Gunners strengthened their defence with the signing of Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori, while their interest in Dean Huijsen - before he opted to join Real Madrid - suggests Arteta is still open to further additions, should the right opportunities present themselves.
Here, football.london provides a rundown of Arsenal’s defenders and what the future might hold for each ahead of what could be a pivotal pre-season in the Far East.
William Saliba
France international William Saliba is one of Arsenal’s most reliable figures, and that’s unlikely to change any time soon. He missed just three Premier League games last season, starting the other 35.
It’s fair to say Saliba still has another level to reach, given he’s only 24, but the key issue lies with his contract, which is due to expire in 2027. Reports suggest talks are ongoing, and supporters will be desperate for the club to secure the future of a player who forms one half of arguably the strongest centre-back partnership in world football alongside Gabriel.
Ben White
Ben White was once a regular under Arteta, but the 27-year-old has endured a somewhat difficult spell in recent seasons. Last term, he made just 26 appearances in all competitions, with only 17 coming in the Premier League.
White underwent minor knee surgery in November to address a long-standing joint issue, which helps explain his reduced minutes. The emergence of Jurrien Timber, despite his own injury problems, has increased competition for places significantly, making questions over White’s long-term future at the club understandable.
Gabriel
Arsenal were given a boost earlier this week with the news that Gabriel had signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2029. Despite missing the end of last season due to a hamstring injury, the Brazilian remains one of Arteta’s most important players.
He is reportedly targeting a return to fitness in time for pre-season, which would be a welcome boost ahead of what promises to be another key campaign for the Gunners.
Jurrien Timber
After an injury-hit debut season, Timber made a major leap last term, establishing himself as a first-team regular. He clocked up 48 appearances in all competitions, starting 27 Premier League matches.
At just 23, there’s still clear potential for growth, and Timber has the qualities to become one of the Premier League’s standout right-backs. The 2025/26 season will be a defining one for the Dutchman, particularly if Ben White remains at the club and stays fit.
Jakub Kiwior
Arsenal face something of a dilemma this summer with 25-year-old Jakub Kiwior, who has previously been linked with a move abroad due to limited playing time. However, when Gabriel picked up a hamstring injury late in the season, the Poland international stepped in brilliantly.
To Kiwior’s credit, Gabriel’s absence wasn’t felt as acutely as it could have been, which only highlighted his quality. That may have led to a rethink at the club regarding his availability, though it's unclear whether the player himself is content to remain a rotational option, given the near-unbreakable Saliba-Gabriel partnership.
Jakub Kiwior and Ben White of Arsenal
Jakub Kiwior and Ben White of Arsenal (Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko faces an uncertain future at Arsenal after making just 23 appearances in all competitions last season. The Ukrainian is entering the final year of his contract, which means a decision looms over whether to offer a renewal, cash in this summer, or risk losing him for free in a year’s time.
It’s a situation to watch closely over the coming months. At 28, Zinchenko will feel he still has plenty to offer, whether at Arsenal or elsewhere.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also under contract until 2026, but the 26-year-old’s situation is complicated by injuries. He’s currently expected to be sidelined until the latter part of 2025.
That effectively rules out a move this summer, though his future could become a topic of discussion again in the January window. When fit, Tomiyasu has always been a valuable squad member, but his persistent fitness issues remain a concern.
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori was the marquee defensive signing of last summer, but Arsenal were left frustrated by the number of injuries he suffered throughout the season. In total, he missed just under 30 games across all competitions, which is a worrying stat.
Still, Arsenal will hope his second campaign in north London is more productive, and his versatility should guarantee him minutes. There’s reported interest from clubs in Italy, but whether the club, or the player, are open to a move just 12 months after his arrival remains to be seen.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a remarkable breakout season at Arsenal, earning both his senior debut and a first England call-up. The concern for Arsenal is that he could leave for free in 2026, with reports suggesting he has just 12 months left on his current deal.
His contract situation has naturally sparked speculation - particularly in Spain, where Real Madrid are rumoured to be monitoring him, as they often target players nearing the end of their contracts. Arsenal will be keen to tie Lewis-Skelly down to improved terms while fending off growing interest from abroad.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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