Arsenal face a defensive dilemma, and they might already be eyeing a solution in January.
Mikel Arteta’s men take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday, seeking to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City. But the reigning champions’ treatment room is filling up.
Injuries pile up for Arteta
Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie both suffered ankle injuries while cooling down following last week’s victory at Leeds, joining Christos Tzolis and William Saliba on the treatment table. It is the latter’s absence which hurts Arsenal the most.
The France centre-half has been sidelined for the entire campaign with a back complaint suffered at the World Cup and is now back in individual training, but, although Arteta does not expect him to require any further treatment, he will not be rushed back into contention.
When asked whether Saliba could be available following the international break in November, the manager was keen to play down expectations, explaining, “It’s still in weeks. It’s all very specific. The timing of when you come back is always important. You miss a few games before the break and then a few games after.”
Saliba was also left out of Arsenal’s official squad picture, which was taken at their training base on Wednesday. The club rushed to assure supporters that the defender had a medical appointment and was unavailable that afternoon.
Bayern defender on Arsenal’s radar
In the absence of Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and new signing Ezri Konsa have divided the workload. The Gunners have more than enough cover in their defensive ranks. However, there is talk that the injuries have caused a few heads to turn at the transfer desk.
According to CFBayernInsider, Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae is on the Gunners’ shortlist of targets. The report indicates that Arsenal are considering strengthening their defensive ranks in the January transfer window and that Kim could be available for the right fee.
The 29-year-old South Korean has fallen down the pecking order in Munich. He now ranks third behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah. He has made just six appearances in all competitions this season, with two starts in five league games.
He did not want to leave Bayern in the summer, however. His contract runs until 2028, so the German club are under no pressure to sell.
There is the obvious connection as well. Maurizio Micheli, the head of scouting at Arsenal, was heavily involved in the transfer of Kim from Fenerbahce to Napoli in 2022 and could play a key role if any deal eventually comes to fruition.
At this point, it remains a report rather than a done deal, and Arsenal have made no public comment on Kim. Understandably, Arteta’s focus is on getting through the weekend.
Forest test comes at a key moment
Forest face a Gunners side without a great deal of options in midfield, at full-back and in defence. A win would keep City within touching distance. A loss would provide the Premier League leaders with a breather.
Saliba’s recovery, the other injury problems and any January business will all play a part in Arsenal’s challenge. The manager will be demanding answers, sooner rather than later.
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