Mikel Arteta's transfer plans at Arsenal may be forced to change after William Saliba suffered a back injury that could sideline him for up to five months. The Gunners had already spent £250 million last summer and secured Illan Meslier on a free transfer, while Piero Hincapie's loan from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent for £34.5 million. However, those moves were offset by the departures of Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior, and Leandro Trossard.
Saliba Setback Raises Urgency for Centre-Back
Saliba was withdrawn during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina and may require back surgery. According to L'Equipe, the defender has been relying on painkillers to manage the issue and could be out for up to five months. This has prompted Arsenal to reconsider their defensive options, with Dinos Mavropanos emerging as a potential target.
Mavropanos, who won West Ham's player of the year award last season, could be available for around £25 million following the Hammers' relegation. Arsenal are not alone in their interest, with Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United also reportedly in the frame.
PSG's Mbemba Chooses Paris FC Over Arsenal
Meanwhile, Arsenal's hopes of signing Emmanuel Mbemba from Paris Saint-Germain have ended. The 18-year-old left-back or centre-back, who captained PSG's under-18s and featured in the UEFA Youth League, has instead joined Paris FC. He had also attracted interest from AS Monaco.
"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."
Arsenal's transfer activity this summer has been modest so far, with the Hincapie deal essentially offset by outgoings. The potential long-term absence of Saliba may force Arteta to accelerate plans for a new centre-back, with Mavropanos a familiar option having previously played for the Gunners.
