Arsenal's Centre-Back Situation: Martin Keown's Insights

Martin Keown insists Arsenal do not need to rush into the market for a new centre-back, even with William Saliba facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The France international aggravated a back problem during the World Cup and is set to miss a significant chunk of the season, sparking a flurry of links to central defenders across Europe. Names have come and gone. Cristian Romero was floated before the former Tottenham captain chose Atletico Madrid. Ezri Konsa has been mentioned. So has Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah.

Keown is unconvinced any of them are required.

“They can cope”

Speaking at TNT Sports’ “Levels” Trophy Cabinet pop-up in London, the former Arsenal defender pointed instead to what is already in Mikel Arteta’s dressing room – and what has emerged in pre-season.

Cristhian Mosquera has caught his eye. So has 18-year-old Marli Salmon.

“Salmon looked really good in the friendly game against Como, he's progressing nicely,” Keown told football.london. “Mosquera for me also looked really sharp in that match. I don't think there's a necessity to buy a central defender, I think that's an area they can cope with.”

Arsenal’s recruitment team have continued to be linked with centre-backs, but Keown sees flexibility rather than a gap.

“I'm hearing that they are being linked with various central defenders so maybe they want to strengthen in that area [but] defending-wise, [Riccardo] Calafiori can also pop into there, [Piero] Hincapie can do that. All left-footed. So that area looks particularly strong for Arsenal.”

Arteta has built his title-winning side on the Saliba–Gabriel axis. Breaking that up, even temporarily, is no small thing. Keown knows that better than most.

Replacing a title-winning partnership

The “Invincibles” centre-back understands exactly what Arsenal lose without Saliba: not just an individual, but a partnership.

“[Arsenal will miss] the combination they’ve got, because those two players (Saliba and Gabriel) really enjoy playing with one another,” he said.

Yet he is adamant the solution is already in-house. Mosquera, 22, made 20 league appearances last season and earned a senior Spain debut on the back of his Arsenal form. When thrown into hostile territory at Anfield, Keown felt the young defender announced himself.

“Although Mosquera, I think after four minutes he came on at Anfield last year and showed us how good he was, and he's even better in pre-season this year so I think Saliba is not available, he starts the season.”

For Keown, that is the hierarchy: if Saliba cannot play, Mosquera steps in. No panic. No scramble.

Lewis-Skelly links fail to rattle Keown

The former defender is equally calm about the noise around Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The England youth international has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, but answered some of that speculation on the pitch, playing and scoring in the midweek friendly against Como. His rise from full-back into midfield late last season has already given Arteta another option in the middle of the pitch.

Arsenal have since added Bruno Guimaraes to a midfield that powered them to the title. The competition for places will be fierce, but Keown sees that as essential for another charge at the Premier League.

He knows Arsenal need every top talent available if they are to go again.

Not defending – attacking the title

Keown’s view of the coming campaign is clear: this is not about clinging to what they have, but about attacking it all over again.

“You’ve got to go and win it again, it’s not about defending it,” he said. “You're very proud of winning it but maybe this now opens up a door for confidence, for the handbrake to come off a bit, to believe in themselves.”

Manchester City’s grip on the league shaped the last era. Keown senses the landscape shifting.

“Because obviously Man City had a stranglehold on the Premier League for quite a few years, but there have been some huge changes now with all the new managers coming in.

“Arteta is now probably one of the most secure managers in the Premier League and has probably been there longer than almost anybody else. Finishing in second place on three occasions and then winning it so they really are in good form to go and [win it again].”

Arsenal will start the season without their defensive linchpin. Keown believes they already have the answers – and the mentality – to prove the title was not a one-off.