7M - Sources: Arsenal to intensify centre-back search amid real concern over Saliba injury

Arsenal are expected to ramp up their pursuit of a new centre-back as genuine concern grows that William Saliba could face a lengthy period on the sidelines.

As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, the Gunners are exploring moves for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and West Ham United's Konstantinos Mavropanos to help cover Saliba's absence, even though the full extent of his back injury has yet to be confirmed.

Saliba was forced off during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, but sources would not verify reports from the French press suggesting the 25-year-old could be out for four or five months.

Arsenal will conduct their own assessments of Saliba in the coming days, but groundwork is already underway to strengthen the defence—a position Mikel Arteta had been keen to bolster regardless of the injury.

"Arsenal have been looking at central defenders for months now, it's not just about Saliba's injury," one source said. "However, I'd expect that to intensify now. There is real concern about how long Saliba will be out, even if the reports from France are yet to be confirmed."

Another added: "Arsenal really like Ezri Konsa, so that's one to watch. They've also internally discussed re-signing Mavropanos, who's likely to leave West Ham."

Arsenal have, however, cooled their interest in Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon, while they also held an interest in Victor Valdepenas, but he is set to join Fiorentina instead.

How Arsenal's squad could look after the summer

Arsenal appear set for a busy summer, even though no confirmed new arrivals have materialised beyond backup goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

I am assured that Arsenal will be very active, with Christos Tzolis widely reported to be close to joining in a €40m move from Club Brugge.

The top target remains Morgan Rogers, so that is one to watch now that England's World Cup campaign has ended. It will also be interesting to see whether talks with Aston Villa ultimately lead towards a deal for Konsa as well.

Things have gone quiet on Bruno Guimaraes, but that remains another priority, and there will surely be other midfielders to watch out for if that deal does not materialise.