After reaching a settlement to terminate his contract earlier this month, Takehiro Tomiyasu has left Arsenal. With his departure, Arsenal's depth chart reveals some potential issues in defence that Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta will be keen to sort out before the season kicks off in earnest.
GK | LB | CB | RB | CDM | MF | CAM | LW | RW | CF |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raya | Calafiori | Gabriel | White | Zubimendi | Merino | Odegaard | Martinelli | Saka | Havertz |
Kepa | Lewis-Skelly | Saliba | Timber | Norgaard | Rice | Vieira | Trossard | Nwaneri* | Jesus |
Hein | Zinchenko | Kiwior | Sami-Lokonga | Nelson | Gyokeres | ||||
Mosquera |
Signing Kepa Arrizabalaga adds valuable depth in the goalkeeping position
With the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arteta will believe that he has significant strength in depth in the goalkeeping position - for the first time in a while.
Speaking to the Guardian, Arteta opened up on Kepa's experience and hunger to win.
"He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win. Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly.”
The possibility of adding Christhian Mosquera into the defensive unit is a nod to the future as much as signing the promising young Spanish talent adds depth to the squad.
Arsenal have some excellent full-backs but insufficient depth
The left-back position is very well catered for, based on the current squad. Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly will fight it out for a starting role, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to leave amid interest from a range of clubs. Back in January, Borussia Dortmund where reported to be the front runners for Zinchenko's signature.

Dutch international, Jurrien Timber can deputise on the left in needed while challenging Ben White for the right-back position. However, it is the lack of depth in that position which should cause the most concern. Injuries to key defensive players cost Arsenal last season and Arteta will not want to leave his back line exposed again.
Jurrien Timber's ankle surgery came at the end of what was an incredible return after recovering from an ACL. Arteta describes Timber as a leader: a very special character. He played a total of 48 times in all competitions last season.
In an ideal world, Arsenal would sign a specialist right-back. If not, someone similar to Tomiyasu who can play on either side would be suitable. Not aiming to be controversial but Kyle Walker-Peters is available on a free at the moment. He would provide exactly the right blend of flexibility and experience in a squad role.
Analysing the rest of the depth chart is beyond the scope of this article but it is clear that Berta is working hard behind the scenes to bring in quality players to add to the squad. The addition of Eze, Rodrygo, and Madueke to the chart, could be all that is required to set the Arsenal up for a proper tilt at the title this season.