Arsenal finally have healthy options to build their defense

Mikel Arteta Has Plenty of Defensive Options to Choose From

With both players excelling out on loan, Arteta can now add Saliba and Mavrapanos to his list of defensive possibilities before making plans for the summer transfer window.

Those that are already a part of the manager’s plans include Gabriel Magalhaes, Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares, Rob Holding, and Kieran Tierney, with the jury still out on four others: David Luiz, Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers

As for the former Chelsea centre-back, he was initially signed for just one season. However, it’s been reported that Arteta is considering giving him another year after some much improved displays. With Bellerin, the speculation is that he and Arsenal believe it’s time for a change; Barcelona has expressed interest in bringing back their former youth team member, as have Paris Saint-Germain.

Over in the Bundesliga, Schalke 04 are staring down the barrel of relegation and it’s not clear what the future holds for the Kolasinac. The Bosnian has one year left on his deal in the summer but rumour has it he’d like to stay regardless of whether they drop into the second tier.

Finally, Chambers appears to be Arsenal’s forgotten man. He has barely played since recovering from an ACL injury and all signs point towards Arteta being open to offers for the versatile 26-year-old.

For now, Arteta has to put his summer plans on hold – let Edu do his thing – and concentrate on both league position and trying to win the Europa League. Qualifying for Europe will make the manager’s summer recruitment plans a whole lot easier, as will the form of his two central defensive loanees. However the season pans out, there are options, and strong ones, in the heart of defense. Still need a left-back, though.

The question is, what are Arteta’s best defensive options?