Arsenal’s Premier League title defence has been dealt a significant blow after William Saliba sustained a back injury at the World Cup.

The French defender was substituted off during France’s semi-final clash against Spain, casting a long shadow over Arsenal’s preparations for the new season.

Arsenal confirmed that Saliba is “expected to be out of action for an extended period,” though the club did confirm surgery will not be required.

Mikel Arteta did have reason to celebrate during the tournament, however, as his trio of Spanish internationals Mikel Merino, David Raya, and Martin Zubimendi lifted the World Cup trophy.

Spain were crowned world champions for the second time, but the celebrations will be tempered by the pressing need to address Saliba’s absence ahead of the new campaign.

Arsenal’s Premier League season opener against Coventry City is less than a month away, giving Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta precious little time to find adequate cover.

Several potential targets have already become unavailable, with John Stones nearing a move to Inter Milan after departing Manchester City this summer.

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been identified as Arteta’s number one preference, but a reported valuation of £70 million makes that particular deal financially difficult to justify.

Como’s Jacobo Ramon has emerged as a compelling and cost-effective alternative, with the 21-year-old valued at £25 million according to Transfermarkt.

The Spaniard joined the Serie A club last season from Real Madrid and played a key role in Como’s historic qualification for the Champions League.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Ramon is actually an inch taller than Saliba and naturally operates on the right side of central defence, making him a logical fit within Arteta’s system.

Any potential deal would carry additional complications, however, as Real Madrid hold a 50 percent stake in Ramon’s economic rights as well as a reported buyback clause on the youngster.

Chelsea have also been linked with the defender, though the Blues appear to have shifted their focus elsewhere after signing Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Arsenal’s existing defensive options include Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Magalhaes, providing solid depth across the backline.

Despite that depth, the chance to acquire a highly-rated young defender for a relatively modest fee is one that Arteta and Berta would be wise to pursue before the summer window closes.

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