Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal will be looking to sign a central defender through his comments to Football London.
Arsenal’s injury problems at the back have worsened with Shkodran Mustafi now set to miss the start of next season.
Arsenal could be without Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari and Mustafi at the start of next season.
And Arteta has now hinted that his side will be chasing a centre-back in the summer.
“I already mentioned to you three central defenders that are not available and we haven’t had them available for a long time anyway during this season,” Arteta said, when asked about his transfer plans.
“We will have to address that.”
Even if Arsenal had players fit it seems likely that Arteta would have gone after a centre-back this summer.
The Gunners have failed to find a reliable central defensive pairing all season, even if they have improved at the back under Arteta so far.
William Saliba is set to arrive at Arsenal for next season, which should help Arteta, but he is still inexperienced and it is understandable why the Spanish boss wants more additions in that area.
In Mustafi’s absence it seems likely that Rob Holding and David Luiz will start the FA Cup final for Arsenal at the weekend.
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