6 Jul 2026 13:01 BST |
4 min read
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Arsenal have identified a former Manchester United as a shock transfer target for Mikel Arteta this summer in an attempt to add more quality and depth in defence.
The Gunners are looking to build on their first Premier League title in more than 20 years and bounce back from their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal have yet to make any new additions to their squad, with the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie being the club’s only incoming so far, and Arteta is believed to be prioritising an attacking player such as Bradley Barcola or Julian Alvarez.
However, the defence is also a targeted area of improvement for Arsenal and TEAMtalk report that ‘extensive work’ has been carried out on multiple targets who could add competition for Jurrien Timber at right-back.
Ben White is expected to leave the Emirates this summer, with a move abroad being mooted, and up to 11 players have been considered as a potential option to replace the 28-year-old.
However, a player generating ‘significant internal discussion’ is believed to be Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose defensive qualities are said to appeal to a number of Arsenal’s recruitment staff which could leave to a summer move for the West Ham star.
Arsenal eye Wan-Bissaka as one of 11 targets for summer move
Wan-Bissaka is expected to be available for transfer after West Ham’s relegation and several clubs are said to be monitoring his situation, such as Everton and Fenerbahce.
However, Arsenal are emerging as contenders for his signature, with some inside the club believing the 28-year-old’s profile would compliment Timber and offer Arteta another defensive option capable of handling elite wide players.
Detailed background work is understood to already have been carried out over Wan-Bissaka and he is now under consideration, although many players also remain on the Gunners’ shortlist as an alternative.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is among the experienced options on the club’s radar, while Barcelona star Jules Kounde has been offered to a number of teams via intermediaries.
Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio, Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza and RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida are also named as options, as well as Givairo Read of Feyenoord, Roma’s Wesley and Monaco star Vanderson.
Long-term targets Ivan Fresneda and Tino Livramento complete Arsenal’s 11-man shortlist and it remains to be seen which option they land on, with the hopes that a target can be signed in the coming weeks ahead of the new season.
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