Arsenal are in the market for new signings this summer but Mikel Arteta could be forced to change his plans as the club sweat over the fitness of William Saliba
Arsenal shelled out £250million last summer and Mikel Arteta is looking to land more marquee signings again to bolster the title defence.
The Gunners have already signed backup goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, while Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent in a £34.5million deal for the Ecuador international. However, that deal has essentially been offset by the departures of Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard.
But Arteta might be forced back into the transfer market in defence as the club sweat over the fitness of William Saliba as he could face months on the sidelines after being withdrawn in France’s semi-final defeat to Argentina. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest updates from around the Emirates Stadium.
Saliba setback casts transfer in fresh perspective
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Merely days have elapsed since Arsenal were reportedly pursuing a deal to bring Dinos Mavropanos back to North London. With reports that William Saliba may endure an extended period on the treatment table, the requirement for an additional senior centre-back has become increasingly pressing.
Mavropanos, who claimed West Ham’s player of the year award last season, could be snapped up for approximately £25million following the Hammers’ relegation. Arsenal aren’t the sole interested party, however, with Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United also reportedly in the frame as potential destinations.
According to L’Equipe, Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months due to required back surgery. The defender has allegedly been relying on painkillers to cope with back issues and was withdrawn during the opening period of his nation’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.
PSG prospect remaining in Ligue 1
Arsenal’s ambitions of landing Emmanuel Mbemba from Paris Saint-Germain have come to nothing. The teenager, who skippered PSG’s under-18s side, has instead sealed a switch across the French capital to Paris FC despite attention from the Gunners and AS Monaco.
Mbemba, 18, is capable of operating at left-back or in central defence. He featured for PSG during the previous two campaigns of the UEFA Youth League and remained on the bench when Les Parisiens fell to an Arsenal team featuring Max Dowman in 2024.
“We are delighted that he has chosen our project. Emmanuel is a modern and talented left-footed defender. He already has numerous caps for the French youth national teams,” Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe said.
“His versatility, playing style, passion, and determination impressed us. We will do everything we can to support him and allow him to develop with the first team. We wish him every success in his new colours.”