Arsenal are preparing for the possibility that defender William Saliba will be out for an extended period. Saliba is reported to have suffered a back injury that forces him off the pitch during France’s World Cup semifinal defeat to Spain, and the injury is expected to keep him sidelined for longer than usual. In response, Arsenal are looking at options for centre-back cover ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Sky Sports, the club holds interest in two England internationals, Manchester City’s John Stones and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, as potential replacements. Other reports referencing the same Sky Sports information describe Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre-back signing, framing Stones and Konsa as names under consideration rather than confirmed targets or completed deals. The reports do not specify the length of Saliba’s absence beyond it being “extended,” nor do they detail Arsenal’s exact plans for the rest of the season. For now, the club’s focus is on identifying reinforcements should Saliba remain unavailable.