Arsenal
Arsenal will have some major changes in their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season
Arsenal sit at the top of the Premier League table this May, yet Mikel Arteta is already identifying the defensive additions that could define the 2026/27 season. Three names stand out clearly: Castello Lukeba, Valentino Livramento, and Ivan Fresneda, and each signing carries a real sense of urgency.
1. Castello Lukeba
The 23-year-old French defender has earned six senior international caps and is a regular fixture in discussion for the French World Cup squad, following his impressive displays across 26 appearances for RB Leipzig this season. Leipzig hold him under contract until 2029 but are open to a sale, with Florian Plettenberg reporting they would accept around €65–70 million, below his €80 million release clause.
A left-footed, ball-playing centre-back who reads the game with maturity, Lukeba would give Gabriel serious competition. His only real weakness is limited experience in important knockout football, which the Champions League stage at Arsenal would solve. Arsenal have already started talks, according to L’Equipe, and the Premier League is one of Lukeba’s two preferred destinations.
2. Valentino Livramento
FootballTransfers revealed that Arsenal have held in-depth discussions with Livramento’s representatives, with early talks described as positive and a belief growing that the player wants to join this summer. Ben White‘s exit looks increasingly likely, and Livramento has the pace, technical quality, and Premier League experience to replace him. However, Livramento has suffered four separate injuries this season alone, and six consecutive league appearances is his longest unbroken run of fitness this campaign, a concern that simply cannot be ignored at £70 million.
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3. Ivan Fresneda
Arsenal have tracked Fresneda since 2023 and have been impressed by his form at Sporting, where his contract includes an €80 million release clause that Arsenal believe they can negotiate down. The 20-year-old Spaniard has tremendous attacking energy down the flank but is still a bit raw defensively. Nevertheless, as a long-term investment, he provides the exact profile Arsenal have consistently pursued.
These three signings would give Arsenal the defensive platform to sustain a serious title challenge throughout 2026/27.
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