Keown: Arsenal Shouldn't Rush for Centre-Back Amid Saliba Injury
Martin Keown insists Arsenal do not need to rush into the market for a new centre-back, even with William Saliba set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The France defender aggravated a back problem during the World Cup and will miss a significant chunk of the season, a blow for Mikel Arteta after Saliba’s outstanding partnership with Gabriel underpinned last year’s title win.
Arsenal have inevitably been linked with a string of central defenders. Cristian Romero’s name surfaced before the former Tottenham captain chose Atletico Madrid. Ezri Konsa at Aston Villa and Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah have also been mentioned.
Keown isn’t convinced any of them are necessary.
Keown backs Mosquera and Salmon
The former Arsenal centre-back has been struck instead by what he has seen in pre-season from within the club.
Cristhian Mosquera and teenager Marli Salmon have both caught his eye, particularly in the friendly against Como.
“Salmon looked really good in the friendly game against Como, he's progressing nicely,” Keown told football.london at TNT Sports’ “Levels” Trophy Cabinet pop-up in 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.”
The club’s recruitment links tell a slightly different story, but Keown still sees depth.
“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.”
Replacing Saliba and Gabriel’s bond
What Arsenal will struggle to replace is the chemistry.
Saliba and Gabriel have developed one of the most reliable centre-back pairings in the league, a partnership that has grown with every high-pressure game. Keown knows how rare that is, and he admits breaking that axis is a problem.
“[Arsenal will miss] the combination they’ve got, because those two players (Saliba and Gabriel) really enjoy playing with one another,” he said.
But the Invincibles defender does not see a void. He sees an opportunity.
“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.”
Mosquera, 22, made 20 league appearances last season and forced his way into the senior Spain squad on the back of his form. Every friendly appearance this summer has added another layer of trust.
If Saliba is out, Keown expects Mosquera to step straight in.
Lewis-Skelly links and a title mindset
Keown is equally calm about speculation around Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The young England international has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, but responded in the best possible way by playing – and scoring – in the midweek win over Como.
Lewis-Skelly emerged from full-back into midfield late last season. Now he faces extra competition after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, a signing that underlines Arsenal’s intent to go again at the top of the Premier League.
Keown sees that as essential. Arsenal, he says, need every top player available if they are to mount another serious title challenge.
But he rejects the idea of “defending” anything.
“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.
“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].”
Saliba’s injury could have triggered panic. Keown sees something different: a settled manager, a squad thick with options, and a title winner being told to attack the crown, not cling to it.
