Mikel Arteta is prioritizing the acquisition of a new defender after learning that William Saliba faces a long-term recovery. Saliba sustained a back injury while representing France at the 2026 World Cup and has decided against undergoing surgery, though his rehabilitation process will keep him sidelined for a significant amount of time.
To bolster his options, the Arsenal manager is weighing moves for John Stones and Ezri Konsa. Stones is currently a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Manchester City, where he previously collaborated with Arteta during the latter’s tenure as an assistant coach. Alternatively, the club is monitoring Konsa, who remains under contract at Aston Villa for two more seasons. Both candidates offer tactical flexibility, as each player is capable of filling in at the right-back position.
