Arsenal’s backline at the end of the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend was Thomas Partey at right back, Myles Lewis-Skelly at left back, Jakub Kiwior and Ben White at center back. So that was a defensive midfielder playing out of position, the first choice right back moved to a center back position he’s adept at, the third choice center back getting the nod and an inexperienced youngster whose default position is midfield.
For a team challenging for the Premier League title, this is not good enough. In all honesty, Edu Gaspar and his negotiation chums have recruited very well in recent seasons and this season, the club made David Raya’s loan deal made permanent, bolstered the defense with the acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori and the late transfer move for Mikel Merino.
However, Arsenal can boast of the best central defensive partnership in the forms of Gabriel and William Saliba and with the Brazilian defender suffering a potential knee injury following an innocuous challenge from Darwin Nunez, Arsenal will be looking to delve into the transfer window for a center back signing.
Arsenal to make defensive signing as Gabriel replacement
Arsenal v Liverpool 27 October 2024, London – Premier League Football – Arsenal v Liverpool – Darwin Nunez of Liverpool and Gabriel of Arsenal – Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside. London UK *** Arsenal gegen Liverpool 27. Oktober 2024, London Premier League Fußball Arsenal gegen Liverpool Darwin Nunez von Liverpool und Gabriel von Arsenal Foto Charlotte Wilson Abseits London UK PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xCharlottexWilsonx/xOffsidexOffside
Jakub Kiwior doesn’t fill the gaffer with confidence and you could see how he was easily overran in the build up to the Mohamed Salah equalizer. Kiwior was also culpable for a terrible gaffe in the defeat to Bournemooth, so the club would be expected to delve into the transfer market to sign a replacement.
Arsenal has been in the market for attacking signings, but this Gabriel injury could force the club to make a defensive player to support the rearguard. Mikel Arteta’s side has not kept a clean sheet since the narrow win over Tottenham, and will need to improve on that going forward.
