Exclusive: Arsenal make centre-back transfer decision
Arsenal are planning to move for yet another central defender in the upcoming summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Versatile trio Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber have all joined in recent years but have not been relied upon regularly by Mikel Arteta at centre-back.
None of Arsenal’s recent additions have threatened the Gunners’ first-choice partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba.
Arsenal are close to kicking off their summer business with the signing of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, and Football Insider has revealed (12 May) that they are planning further arrivals – including a new striker.
Arsenal want yet another new centre-back
Meanwhile, Kiwior is on the radar of both Juventus and Inter Milan as he weighs up his long-term future at Arsenal.
He has stepped in for Gabriel during his injury but has failed to play regular first-team football since joining from Spezia in January 2023.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 1 | Liverpool | 36 | 83 | 46 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 36 | 68 | 33 |
| 3 | Newcastle | 36 | 66 | 23 |
| 4 | Man City | 36 | 65 | 24 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 36 | 63 | 19 |
It is believed Arsenal will press ahead with the signing of a new centre-back regardless of a potential exit for Kiwior as Arteta’s side look to bridge the gap to major honours.
The Gunners were eliminated from the Champions League at the semi-final stage this term and sit second in the Premier League – some 15 points behind champions Liverpool.
That is despite the London giants boasting the best defensive record in the division – conceding only 33 goals in 36 top-flight games.
Arsenal plot Gyokeres deal
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (12 May) that Arsenal have made Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres their top striker target for the summer transfer window.
It has been widely reported that Gyokeres will cost around £60million this summer.
He has hit 52 goals and notched 13 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions this term and is under contract with Sporting until June 2027.
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