Arsenal: 5 summer transfer goals and current targets

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta arrives for the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on February 10, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

5 of 5

TROYES, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 27: William Saliba of Marseille salutes the supporters following the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between ESTAC Troyes and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at Stade de l’Aube on February 27, 2022 in Troyes, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images) /

5. Left-Sided Centre-Back

Known targets: N/A

Expected departures: Pablo Mari, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Rob Holding (potential), William Saliba (potential)

Given the specificity of a left-sided centre-back, it reaffirms and already established idea that Pablo Mari will be leaving permanently at the end of the season. There wasn’t much, if any, doubt about that, mind you.

This season we’ve seen Rob Holding fill in when Gabriel has been unavailable, while Benjamin White has been an ever present in almost every game of every competition on the right of central defence.

William Saliba is due to return from his loan spell at Marseille – where he’s been outstanding and clocked up more minutes than any other Under-21 centre-back in Europe – and the aim is to hand the Frenchman a new contract.

There are many variables to consider in this, as unless he plays on the left of central defence there is no way he’s getting into the starting lineup over White. But, then again, if Arsenal are eyeing someone for that position then it’s going to be a squad role for Saliba. Would he like that? Hard to know exactly, but with two years left on his deal at the end of the season it’s either re-sign or sell.

Next. Spurs & Man Utd taking all the spotlight. dark

The fact Arsenal are in the market for one does suggest, however, that one of Holding or Saliba could be on the move.

Home/Arsenal News