Arsenal Title Defence — What They Must Do This Summer

Trossard gone, Saliba hurt, Saka out until October. Arsenal have a title to defend and a summer to fix. Here's what Arteta actually needs to do.

Arsenal will need to be ruthless in the ongoing summer transfer window to gain a huge advantage at the start of the season, with some of their key players set to start late. What will Arsenal do to gain a head start? (Photo credit: premierleague.com)

The new season starts soon in the Premier League. It's time to look away from the ongoing FIFA World Cup to bring you thoughts on the incoming Premier League season.

This conversation is about the reigning champions, Arsenal. 

After 22 long years of waiting for the title, the Gunners have finally landed one, and we must ask questions about their title defense, which gets underway next month.

There's a lot to unpack when it comes to Arsenal. Leandro Trossard's transfer to Besiktas serves as a good starting point. 

What is the plan for his replacement? 

The Belgian came with several clutch moments for the Gunners last season; he was an integral part of their title success.

Goals, assists, and availability are the qualities Arsenal would miss with Trossard leaving, and with Christos Tzolis joining the club, is the Greek the right man to replace Trossard? 

Numbers in lesser leagues have proven to be inconsequential. Can Tzolis adapt quickly?

Arsenal fans gnashed teeth in agony on Tuesday night as William Saliba crashed to the ground and was ultimately substituted due to what was later confirmed to be a back injury. 

PTSD from the 2022/2023 season will haunt the fans, but is there a replacement for the Frenchman?

Christian Mosquera is the ideal candidate, with Jurrien Timber a possible option. 

Memories of the Champions League final will ring in the minds of everyone as Mosquera struggled and eventually committed the crime that got PSG level before going on to beat Arsenal on penalties.

Word on the street is that the Gunners are big on an Aston Villa defender, Ezri Konsa. The Europa League winners have parted ways with some players this summer, including a long-term injury to Amadou Onana. 

Are they about to lose Konsa, too?

Illan Meslier joined Arsenal's ranks last week, a backup goalkeeper for cup games. Kepa is still at the club and expected to leave. 

If Kepa stays, Arsenal will have up to four goalkeepers to call on, but is any of them a worthy competition to David Raya?

We're going back to Aston Villa, and this time, it's for Morgan Rogers. 

The England playmaker has reportedly told Villa he wants to join the Gunners. 

With Trossard sold, Rogers could feel in on the left, where he enjoys cutting in to shoot with his right.

Arsenal still needs someone in the middle of the park. 

Bruno Guimaraes continues to be linked with Arsenal, and the Gunners must deal. 

Declan Rice is not expected to feature for the champions until October at the earliest; Arsenal needs the Newcastle man.

Upfront, there are talks of Julian Alvarez, but with Kai Havertz back available and Mikel Merino proving to be the man for goals, Arsenal might be fine there. Gabriel Martinelli can deputize too. 

Viktor Gyokeres will lead the line without a doubt, but there are available options.

The right wing is a concern. Bukayo Saka will get his deserved rest and return in October. 

Noni Madueke is unreliable; Max Dowman needs time. 

Is Ethan Nwaneri set to taste action from the right? If Arsenal will defend their title successfully, what they do this summer will go a long way in determining that.