Arteta have a plan in place for next Arsenal signing following Bruno Guimaraes arrival

Arsenal are not finished in the transfer market yet, with Mikel Arteta’s side now working on the addition of a new centre-back before the summer window closes.

The Gunners have already made a major statement by signing Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75 million, strengthening a midfield that was already among the strongest in the Premier League.

However, Arsenal’s attention has now turned towards the defence as they look to make sure the squad has enough depth to compete across every competition.

William Saliba’s fitness situation has added some urgency to those plans, while Jurriën Timber has also been working his way back towards full fitness.

With Arsenal aiming to defend their Premier League title and challenge again in Europe, Arteta clearly does not want to leave anything to chance.

Arsenal are working on signing a new centre-back

According to transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, Arsenal are actively working to sign another centre-back this summer.
are working to sign a new centre-back this summer. #transfers #AFC

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) August 10, 2026

#Arsenal are working to sign a new centre-back this summer. #transfers #AFC

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) August 10, 2026

Schira did not reveal a specific name in his update, but the report comes at a time when Arsenal are continuing to assess several defensive options.

The Guardian has reported that Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is one player Arsenal have looked at. The England international would offer valuable versatility because he can operate both centrally and at right-back.

That kind of profile would make sense for Arteta, who has consistently favoured defenders capable of playing in more than one position.

Arteta is building a squad with very few weaknesses

The interesting part of Arsenal’s summer is that they are strengthening from a position of power.

Adding Guimarães for £75m was not about fixing a major weakness. It was about taking an already elite midfield to another level. The same thinking appears to be behind the search for another defender.

Arsenal already have Gabriel Magalhães, Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié, while Timber, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori can provide additional flexibility.

That means any new arrival must genuinely improve the squad rather than simply increase the numbers.

Konsa would fit the profile because of his Premier League experience and versatility, but Arsenal should avoid overpaying simply because Saliba is unavailable.

After the major investment in Guimarães, the ideal next move would be a reliable, versatile defender at a sensible price. If Arsenal can pull that off, Arteta will head into the new campaign with one of the deepest squads in Europe.