Arsenal are stepping up contingency plans to cover for William Saliba's potential long-term absence, with a free transfer for John Stones under consideration.
Saliba's injury setback
The Gunners ended their wait to become Premier League champions last season, a success largely founded on their miserly defence. The partnership between Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba was central to that triumph, but the France international could miss as much as five months with the back injury that resurfaced during the World Cup. Saliba missed the run-in during the 2022/23 season, and Arsenal struggled without him, eventually missing out on the title to Manchester City.
Saliba has managed the condition ever since, but his back gave out again during France's semi-final defeat against Spain earlier this week. Arsenal are yet to decide on the best course of action, but surgery has not been ruled out. Either way, Mikel Arteta is set to be without one of his first-choice central defenders for a significant period.
Potential replacements
Arsenal's first-team squad currently has potential replacements, with Pierro Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, and Cristhian Mosquera all capable of deputising, while teenager Marli Salmon could feature more prominently next term. Arteta, however, had already been mindful of Saliba's workload, having been forced to nurse the former Saint-Etienne defender through the tail end of last season.
John Stones emerges as target
Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa had emerged as a potential target, but according to The Sun, a move for free agent John Stones is under consideration. The 32-year-old ended a trophy-laden decade with Manchester City last month upon the expiration of his contract. Stones is yet to decide on his future but has not ruled out remaining in England, although he has attracted significant interest from abroad. The former Everton centre-half worked with Arteta during their time together at the Etihad Stadium and could be attracted by the prospect of rekindling that relationship.
