Arsenal’s defensive transfer plans may be about to change dramatically.
William Saliba has now missed two consecutive France training sessions at the World Cup, with his back problem proving more persistent than initially suggested.
There is even a prospect of surgery after the tournament, which could seriously impact his availability for the start of next season.
For a club that has built so much of their defensive identity around the Frenchman, finding cover has suddenly become a pressing concern.
If you could only pick one of William Saliba and Gabriel to stay at Arsenal forever, who are YOU picking and why?
One name that has caught Arsenal’s attention is Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal and Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring the 26-year-old, who is currently in a contract stand-off at Selhurst Park despite being under contract until 2029.
Any potential negotiations are understood to begin at around £35million, which would bring significant profit for Palace, who signed him for £18million from Wolfsburg in 2024.
Maxence Lacroix would be the perfect understudy to William Saliba
Lacroix enjoyed a strong season at Palace, making 55 appearances across all competitions and playing a key role in their Conference League triumph.
When Marc Guehi departed for Manchester City in January, many expected Palace to struggle at the back. They barely missed a step, largely because of Lacroix.
His profile is striking in its similarity to Saliba. Intelligent, extremely quick and calm under pressure, Lacroix is also very technical and ambitious on the ball.
A true Saliba understudy has long been a priority at Arsenal.
Depending on what happens with the Frenchman’s fitness post-World Cup, that search could now accelerate significantly.
Lacroix is also in the France squad, and with Saliba’s fitness in doubt, could yet get the opportunity to play alongside — or instead of — his compatriot at the tournament.
Arsenal’s defensive summer is shaping up to be complex
The Lacroix situation is just one of several stories developing around Arsenal’s defence.
Real Madrid are circling Riccardo Calafiori, which could force the club into the market for a left-sided option.
💰 Fill in the blank: Real Madrid MUST pay £__m to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Arsenal this summer…
Eintracht Frankfurt attacking left-back Nathaniel Brown was a target but is expected to join Bayern Munich.
Tino Livramento remains an option at right-back should Ben White depart, but Arsenal have reservations over the Newcastle defender’s injury history.
Meanwhile, midfield target Ayyoub Bouaddi’s versatility to cover at right-back could yet prove a clever solution to one of those problems.
Despite the attack being the primary focus for Arsenal, it is shaping up to be a complex window with regards to the defence.
Saliba’s fitness may determine how it all unfolds.
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