The player who can elevate Arsenal’s defence next season

In search of the standout feature across the season so far for Arsenal, one needn’t look further than the defence.

Only four teams have conceded fewer goals – three of those being the teams directly above – and only Manchester City and Liverpool have recorded more clean sheets than the Gunners’ 13 this term.

The signings of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Benjamin White and Aaron Ramsdale over the summer have been integral to the improvement, so has the new level that Gabriel has found in central defence and the relationship with Kieran Tierney to his left.

As a whole this Arsenal side is more solid. The back five don’t take all the plaudits. Structurally Mikel Arteta has made Arsenal resolute off the ball, smarter in defensive transitions and their abilities on defensive set pieces is the best in the entire division.

William Saliba can elevate Arsenal’s defence next season by adding additional quality of a specific profile to complement White and Gabriel

It’s for that reason that reinforcements over the summer will centre heavily around midfield and striker. A new right-back to add depth could be brought in depending on Cedric’s future, but otherwise the defence is in fine fettle.

That’s because the player who can elevate this team to a new level at the back is already on the books.

William Saliba will return to the Premier League from his loan spell in Marseille as the most experienced Under-21 central defender in Europe. Nobody has played more minutes than him. His performances even warranted a maiden France call-up, in what is one of the prestigious pools of talent any nation can lay claim to – perhaps ever.

Talks are due to take place to extend his current contract, one that expires in 2024, and for good reason. This is a young man regularly being tipped as the ‘future of France’, compared to legends of the game, and finding outstanding consistency in Ligue 1: he tops the charts for touches, attempted passes, successful passes, and progressive carries. Saliba has all the attributes to be one of the elite centre-backs in Europe.

Does he get in ahead of Gabriel or White? Right now, no. But only time will tell.

In any case, what Arsenal need next season is depth which can dovetail as competition. Pablo Mari and Konstantinos Mavropanos will be sold, leaving the trio on the books now as the only options.

Rob Holding has been excellent when called upon this season, although only to fulfill a specific duty. His reading of the game has been a valuable asset when defending a lead in the now famous 5-2-3 block.

But with hopeful European competition to contend with on top of the cup competitions, Arsenal need a central defender who can fill in and won’t disrupt the tactical approach. Saliba is cut from the same ball carrying, fast and progressive cloth of the current first choice duo. To ensure a smooth transition when White or Gabriel don’t play it is essential that Arteta has an option of similar profile.

The fact he can play on either side with total comfort just adds to the allure.

Whether or not he will sign a new deal and willingly take up his place in the squad as opposed to being a certainty in the starting lineup is another discussion. That’s a matter only he and the club can control. But in terms of developing this side and bridging the gap those above them, multiple quality options in all positions is the next step.

Arsenal have one already lying in wait.