Arsenal add Chelsea target to transfer shortlist after William Saliba injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon on their list of defensive targets for the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Gunners were already keen to bolster their defensive options this summer, but those efforts have only increased after William Saliba injured his back at the World Cup .

Saliba will not undergo surgery to fix his back problem, but Arsenal confirmed that the 25-year-old will be sidelined ‘for an extended period’ .

Arsenal had discussed a move for former Manchester City defender John Stones , but the England international now appears set to join Inter Milan on a free transfer .

Aston Villa ’s Ezri Konsa, who impressed at the World Cup, is also a name under consideration, although both clubs are said to be far apart in their valuations of the 28-year-old .

As they widen their search, The Athletic reports that Mikel Arteta’s side have also added Como defender Ramon to their shortlist of potential centre-back targets this summer.

The 21-year-old came through the academy set-up at Real Madrid before making three appearances for the first team in 2025.

Jacobo Ramon is on Arsenal’s shortlist (Picture: Getty)

Ramon joined Como last summer for a measly €2.5million (£2.2m) and made 32 Serie A appearances for Cesc Fabregas’ side as they qualified for Europe.

Chelsea have also registered interest in Ramon, who played under Xabi Alonso when the new Blues boss began his coaching career with Madrid’s youth system.

However, any deal for Ramon could be complicated by Madrid, who retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause in any future deal for the defender as well as a buy-back clause.

William Saliba is set to be out for an extended period (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea appear to have turned their focus elsewhere, with the west London club expected to confirm the signing of Maxence Lacroix after a £52m deal was agreed with Crystal Palace.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are also looking to strengthen in central midfield and forward areas as they prepare to begin their league title defence in the coming weeks.

The Gunners are still keen on a move for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes and are expected to return with a second bid of around £70m.

Arsenal were also said to be exploring a blockbuster move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, although the latest reports suggest that the Brazilian is set to remain in the Spanish capital despite having only one year left on his contract.