Former France international Frank Leboeuf has called on Arsenal to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as a replacement for the injured William Saliba, who could miss up to five months of the new season with a back problem. Saliba, 25, sustained the injury during France's World Cup semi-final against Spain and is now facing surgery, with reports suggesting a four- to five-month absence.
Saliba's Injury: A Major Blow for Arsenal
Saliba was a cornerstone of Arsenal's Premier League title-winning defense alongside Gabriel Magalhaes last season. His injury occurred in the first half of the semi-final when he went down unchallenged, crying out, 'my back is gone.' He had been nursing a back issue throughout the tournament. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta now faces a significant defensive gap at the start of the season.
Frank Leboeuf, speaking to Metro via Freebets.com, emphasized the severity of the situation: 'Saliba is one of the best centre-backs in the world right now and when you have a player like that out for four or five months, of course it’s a concern. Arsenal have built so much on their defensive structure — it’s the foundation of what Arteta does. To be without him for that long at the start of the season is not easy.'
Leboeuf's Solution: Maxence Lacroix
Leboeuf believes Arsenal must act quickly, either through a permanent signing or a loan. He suggested Saliba's international teammate, Maxence Lacroix, as a viable option. Lacroix, 26, has impressed at Crystal Palace since joining from Wolfsburg in 2024 and is reportedly seeking a new challenge. Chelsea have identified him as a top target, with Palace demanding at least £55 million for his services.
'Lacroix is a good player — I know him, I know what he can do. He’s French, he’s a good defender, he has experience,' Leboeuf said. 'Whether he’s the right level for Arsenal fighting for the title is the question you have to ask yourself. Arsenal need somebody who can come straight in, be at the top level on day one and not take three months to adapt. If Lacroix can do that, then why not? He knows the Premier League, he knows the pace of the game, which is important. But it would have to be the right price and the right fit for what Arteta needs next to Gabriel.'
Other Options and Context
Arsenal are also interested in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, but Lacroix's Premier League experience and familiarity with the league's pace make him an attractive candidate. Leboeuf's comments underline the urgency for Arsenal to secure defensive cover to maintain their title challenge. With Saliba's absence potentially lasting until late 2026, the Gunners must decide swiftly on a replacement to avoid destabilizing their defense.
