Arsenal are intensifying efforts to sign defensive reinforcements after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Jurriën Timber remains "weeks away" from full fitness, while William Saliba faces an extended layoff following a back injury sustained during the World Cup. The setback comes at a difficult time for the Premier League champions, who lost a second consecutive pre-season friendly, going down 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup, with defensive errors a recurring theme.

Saliba, whose back problem has troubled him since last season, is currently in a two-week rest period, while Timber has yet to recover from the groin issue that forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands' World Cup squad. Arsenal are expected to renew their interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, having already had a bid rejected, though the two clubs remain apart on valuation, with Villa said to want around £60m for the 28-year-old. A move for Tottenham's Cristian Romero has also been mooted but is considered highly unlikely given Spurs' reluctance to strengthen a direct rival. In the meantime, Arteta says his existing squad, including Cristhian Mosquera, must step up before next week's Community Shield clash with Manchester City.