Arsenal have boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League during each of the last two seasons, with Frenchman William Saliba playing a massive role in their success.
The centre-back joined the Gunners back in 2019, before multiple loan spells in his homeland, having to wait until the summer of 2022 to make his first appearance in English football.
He’s since gone on to make 134 appearances for the club, having bags of time to make himself a legend in North London, still being just 24 years of age.
His partnership at the heart of the backline with Gabriel has played a massive part in Mikel Arteta’s ability to come within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought without a league title.
However, with the summer window rapidly coming towards its end, numerous other players are being targeted to aid their defensive unit for the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal pursuing a move for a new defender
This summer window has been a big one for Arsenal, already adding another option to the defensive unit, in the form of Spaniard Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.
The 21-year-old joined in a £13m deal, penning a five-year contract, but he could also be joined at the Emirates Stadium by another young prospect in the coming days.
Palmeiras’ 19-year-old centre-back, Luis Benedetti, could be the latest to move to North London, after Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino confirmed the club’s interest in his signature.
He claims that Arteta’s side have been monitoring him over recent weeks, potentially preparing an offer in the region of £8.5m for the youngster’s services.
Firmino also states that the player could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with his current employers demanding add-ons and a sell-on fee in any transfer.
Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s next Saliba
Arsenal’s recruitment has been excellent over the last couple of years, undoubtedly playing a huge role in their ability to challenge for England’s Premier League title.
Saliba has been one example, arriving in North London as an unknown quantity to many, but it’s safe to say his tally of appearances to date highlights his importance to the Gunners.
At just 24, he has all the tools to continue his development under Arteta, hopefully able to add titles to his CV and become one of Europe’s leading talents in defensive areas.
However, if the club is to continue building and maintaining their efforts at the top of the table, they will need to carry on their impressive recruitment with a move for Benedetti.
At just 19, he has bags of time to continue his development, with a move to England helping him reach the next level and build on his impressive start to his career.
The Brazilian has made nine senior appearances for Palmeiras, but it’s been enough to demonstrate the talent he holds, leading to analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “aggressive”.
The teenager has managed to complete 93% of the passes he’s attempted in Brazil’s top-flight, able to offer a superb ball-playing option – just as Saliba has in recent years.
|
Luis Benedetti’s stats for Palmeiras in 2025 |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
9 |
|
Minutes played |
810 |
|
Pass accuracy |
93% |
|
Chances created |
0.8 |
|
Aerials won |
71% |
|
Duels won |
3.5 |
|
Recoveries made |
3.8 |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
He’s also won 71% of the aerial battles he’s entered, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch – especially considering his 6”6 frame.
Whilst it’s still early days in his professional career, the signs are all positive for Benedetti, possessing two crucial components of being a centre-back in the modern-day.
£8.5m could prove to be an excellent piece of business by Arteta and the Gunners, potentially banking a small fortune should he continue on his current trajectory.
He could follow in Saliba’s footsteps in joining as an unknown quantity, the Brazilian would be able to learn from one of the best defenders in world football – arguably developing into another excellent piece of business by the hierarchy.
