Who should start in defence for Arsenal next season?

Kieran Tierney

Who should start in defence for Arsenal next season?

By Alec McQuarrie

Mikel Arteta has looked to bolster his attacking options this summer and well he should.

The Gunners were desperately light up top and with Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos arriving at the Emirates already, fans can expect fireworks if everything clicks.

But everyone will tell you that defences win titles, and it is no surprise that both Liverpool (26) and Manchester City (26) conceded almost half the number Arsenal did (48).

Added to that, fullbacks like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Cancelo and Andy Robertson are supreme attacking threats, setting the bar high for the chasing pack.

With that in mind, how should Arsenal’s back four line up next month and beyond?


Centre Back

There is little doubt over who should occupy the two centre back berths next season.

While admittedly not quite perfect, Gabriel and Ben White are two of the first names on the team sheet, with Gabriel playing the most minutes of any Arsenal player last term.

White comes fourth in that particular list behind Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka.

It will be interesting to see whether after a year of Premier League football together, the two can continue to grow to form a formidable defensive partnership.

One question mark remains over the role of William Saliba, who returns from his third loan spell in three seasons.

The young Frenchman impressed at Marseille last year and is yet to make a senior appearance for the Gunners, however Mikel Arteta has indicated he is part of his plans for 2022/23.

Expect to see glimpses of the 21-year-old over the course of the campaign.


Right Back

Takehiro Tomiyasu can relax back into his sunbed this summer, safe in the knowledge he will be remaining the first-choice right back for Mikel Arteta.

The fact that very few if any right backs have been linked to the Emirates in the close season is testament to Tomiyasu’s reliability in his debut season.

Injury concerns have persisted, however, and the Japanese international is facing a race to be fit for the start of the season in early August.

Here’s to hoping the deadline day signing from Bologna can leave his injury problems behind and really kick on especially in attacking areas.


Left Back

The weakest position in Arsenal’s defence is undoubtedly at left back.

This is why a transfer for Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko is edging closer to completion.

While no one would argue that Kieran Tierney is not a great option and a reliable performer for the Gunners, his injury record precludes relying on him completely to be available every week.

If Zinchenko’s transfer is unsuccessful, Tierney would certainly be first choice ahead of the erratic Nuno Tavares.

And even if Zinchenko does arrive, he will face a tough battle with the Scot to take his position if he stays fit.

Only time will tell who comes out on top, but the extra competition for places along with the Ukrainian’s versatility will no doubt prove invaluable going forward.


FEATURE IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

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