Saliba, White or Gabriel?

Saliba, White or Gabriel? 

By James Reid 
It has been a summer of change so far at the Emirates, with four new names already arriving at the Emirates.
In Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, and Marquinhos, Mikel Arteta has sought to strengthen his offensive options as the Gunners chase the Champions League spot that eluded them last season.
However, questions still remain over the Spaniard’s defensive options.
Back-up for Kieran Tierney is likely required, while the right-back slot is still wide open with the possible departures of Hector Bellerin and Cedric.
A big question lies, too, at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, with no first-choice centre-back pairing yet to emerge.
With William Saliba, Ben White, and Gabriel, Arteta now has a big decision to make – so who should he pick to lead the Gunners’ defence? 

Ben White 

Arsenal’s most expensive defensive signing, Ben White, had a difficult start to life at the Emirates but soon showed exactly why he cost £50m as the season went on. 
Excellent on the ball and a football brain to play in both a back four and a back five, White is surely in pole position to be Arsenal’s first-choice centre-back. 
Question marks remain over White’s physicality, and particularly his appetite for a battle with a big, physical striker, but there is no doubt he has the potential to become one of the very best for both club and country. 

Gabriel 

The other man in the driving seat to start the season at centre-back is Gabriel. 
The Brazilian made 35 appearances for Arsenal last season, becoming a consistent performer during his second term in England.
The quality of his performances has attracted interest from other clubs, including Italian giants Juventus. 
And now the Gunners are said to be looking at a fee north of £50m if he is to depart North London. 
For now though, Gabriel remains in red and white and will surely continue to be an important player for Arteta next season. 

William Saliba 

The big question mark hanging over London Colney this summer is the future of William Saliba.
The young Frenchman impressed out on loan at Marseille last year, despite rumours of discordance with Arteta.
Saliba has returned to the Arsenal fold for this season, and the 21-year-old will surely want regular first-team football as he looks to continue his development.
The former Saint Etienne stopper has even been rewarded with five France caps, reflecting the calibre of player Arsenal have on their books.
The question then is whether Saliba can force his way ahead of White or Gabriel or if Arteta will change the system to accommodate all three – if not, the Spaniard may have difficulty keeping his French starlet happy.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

The wildcard option in all of this is Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Japanese international impressed in his first season in England following a move from Bologna, though it was disrupted by injuries.
The defender mainly played at right-back, though he showed his versatility across the back four, and he certainly possesses the skills to play at centre-back.
If Arteta desires flying full-backs, then Tomiyasu is unlikely to be a long-term option, but so a move inside could be a solution.
However, there are questions over durability and physicality that may prevent Tomiyasu from claiming a starting berth.

Conclusion

Right now, it seems like Ben White and Gabriel hold the starting shirts.
Arteta is unlikely to shift his entire system to accommodate another defender, no matter how precocious a talent William Saliba may be.
Takehiro Tomiyasu gives Arteta an alternative option, particularly if he does opt for a back three. 
Still, it feels like only a huge loss of form will dislodge White and Gabriel before August 5.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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