Arsenal interested in Stones, Konsa after Saliba injury blow

Arsenal’s defensive crisis deepened on Thursday after confirmation that William Saliba will miss an extended period with a back injury sustained during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. The Gunners, already shorn of Jurrien Timber and now scrambling for centre-back cover, have identified two senior options: free-agent John Stones and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. Both can play at right-back too, giving Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility as pre-season intensifies.

Why Saliba’s absence changes Arsenal’s summer

Saliba’s rehabilitation timeline remains unclear after scans ruled out surgery, but Arteta confirmed on Wednesday that the 25-year-old will be sidelined for months. The injury occurred in Qatar, meaning Arsenal enter the new campaign without their most reliable defensive pivot. Their existing options—Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber (still recovering from a groin problem), and Ben White (returning from a May knee injury)—now look threadbare for a title push.

Stones, 32, arrived in London this week as a free agent after his Manchester City contract expired. He trained with Arsenal’s first team during Arteta’s time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, a connection that could ease his integration. Konsa, 28, has two years left at Villa and has also represented England alongside Stones at the World Cup, adding Premier League pedigree. Both defenders can slot into Arsenal’s back three or four, addressing a positional headache that Sky Sports and other outlets have flagged as urgent.

Competition for Stones and Konsa is fierce

Stones isn’t Arsenal’s alone. Chelsea, managed by former City colleague Mauricio Pochettino, are also tracking the defender, while Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola—a move that would further stretch Arsenal’s resources. The Gunners, meanwhile, have already moved to bolster their ranks with the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, but depth remains the priority.

Villa, conscious of Konsa’s value, are unlikely to sell cheaply. Their asking price is expected to reflect his two years of remaining contract and Champions League football, while Stones’ free-agent status could accelerate talks if Arteta makes an early offer. The window is open for just over a month, but Arsenal’s need for defensive cover is immediate.

What comes next for Arteta’s backline

Arteta’s defensive system relies on high pressing and quick transitions, which demand technically sound centre-backs. Stones, despite his age, excels in possession and aerial duels, while Konsa’s aggression and comfort in a back three align with Arsenal’s 3-4-3 shape. Either signing would allow Gabriel to play higher, while Calafiori or Mosquera could deputise in cup competitions.

The club’s willingness to spend big on a defensive upgrade is no secret. Arsenal have already been linked with other targets, including a reported £25m bid for a former Manchester United player, though the club has not confirmed the player’s identity. With Newcastle reportedly questioning Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimarães—Metro.co.uk noted—the Gunners may need to prioritise defensive reinforcements to avoid further distractions.

Saliba’s absence is a setback, but Arteta has shown in the past that he can reshape a squad mid-transfer window. If Stones or Konsa arrive, Arsenal’s defensive spine could regain the stability needed to challenge for the title. If not, the club’s summer transfer business will face its first real test of ambition versus pragmatism.