Arsenal urged to sign £55m Chelsea target to replace injured William Saliba
Former France star Frank Leboeuf believes Arsenal must consider bringing in a replacement for the injured William Saliba – believing one of his countrymen could be the answer.
Saliba was once again a rock at the back during the Gunners’ Premier League-title winning campaign next to Gabriel Magalhaes, starting for a France squad that was expected to win the World Cup this summer.
But disaster struck in the first-half of their semi-final against Spain with the centre-half crying out ‘my back is gone’ after going down unchallenged. The 25-year-old had been nursing a back issue throughout the competition with surgery now a possibility.
Reports in France have speculated Saliba could miss four to five months of the new season – something that would serve as a devastating blow for Arsenal in their bid to hold onto their crown.
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Arsenal do have players who can move inside to partner Gabriel but former Chelsea star Leboeuf believes a new option must be considered.
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‘Saliba is one of the best centre-backs in the world right now and when you have a player like that out for four or five months, of course it’s a concern,’ Leboeuf told Metro via Freebets.com, the betting sites comparison site.
‘Arsenal have built so much on their defensive structure — it’s the foundation of what Arteta does. To be without him for that long at the start of the season is not easy. You would think they have to do something.
‘Whether it’s a permanent signing or a loan, they have to have cover because you cannot afford to go into a season without a solution at that level when you want to fight for the title. Arsenal are probably the most stable of the top clubs right now — that’s a real strength. But if Saliba is out, that stability is tested immediately.’
While Arsenal are interested in England and Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa, another option that may appeal to Mikel Arteta is Saliba’s international teammate Maxence Lacroix. The 26-year-old has had two fine seasons at Crystal Palace having joined from Wolfsburg in 2024 but is thought to be seeking a new challenge away from south east London.
Chelsea have identified Lacroix as a top transfer target with latest reports suggesting Palace are demanding at least £55m for his services. Leboeuf is also a big admirer and believes he could be the right fit at Arsenal to step in for Saliba if the price is right.
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‘Lacroix is a good player — I know him, I know what he can do. He’s French, he’s a good defender, he has experience,’ Lacroix said.
‘Whether he’s the right level for Arsenal fighting for the title is the question you have to ask yourself. Arsenal need somebody who can come straight in, be at the top level on day one and not take three months to adapt.
‘If Lacroix can do that, then why not? He knows the Premier League, he knows the pace of the game, which is important. But it would have to be the right price and the right fit for what Arteta needs next to Gabriel.’
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Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/07/17/arsenal-urged-sign-55m-chelsea-target-replace-injured-william-saliba-29166057/