Arsenal transfer news: Plan C emerges as Serie A defender looks to cover Saliba

The need to strengthen the defense department is no longer just part of Arsenal’s market planning, but it has become an immediate priority.

William Saliba’s serious back injury, which is expected to sideline him for most of the 2026-27 campaign, has changed the London club’s plans and intensified their search for a new full-back.

Among the names employed by the club, one seems to be on the rise: Jacobo Ramon, a young Como defender who also remains on the radar of other European giants.

The football department led by Andrea Berta was already exploring other options even before Saliba’s injury crisis. The aim was to increase the squad’s depth in what is considered a strategic position, but the Frenchman’s prolonged absence has made the search even more urgent.

In this context, Jacobo appears as a profile that combines youth, room for development and growing experience in a high-level competition like Serie A.

In accordance with AthleticArsenal are closely monitoring the progress of the 21-year-old Spaniard, who has been attracting attention with Como’s consistent performances.

Although interest remains at observation level at the moment, the English club have included him among the front-runners to strengthen their defensive system, especially after other options have lost strength in recent weeks.

Arsenal extend search for Jacobo Ramon

The search for a new defender has been led by Andrea Berta since the start of the year.

In January, Arsenal showed interest in signing Marc Guehi during the summer window, viewing the former Crystal Palace centre-back as an opportunity to improve their defence. However, the England international chose a different path and completed a move to Manchester City.

From then on, other names began to be tested. Ezri Konsa, a key figure at Aston Villa, has entered the picture as a possibility due to the consistency he has shown in recent Premier League campaigns.

Another player being looked at is John Stones, who has been a defender for the Citizens in recent years. However, the prospect of a deal there has effectively disappeared given the deal between the England defender and Inter Milan.

With two key options now out of reach, everything suggests that Arsenal will turn their attention to players who combine growth potential with the potential to appreciate future value.

It is in this context that Jacobo Ramon found a place among the options studied by the group.

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Real Madrid hold the future of Jacobo Ramon

Despite the interest, the agreement is not straightforward. Real Madrid retained 50 percent of the player’s economic rights when he agreed to go to Como, and included a buy-back clause in the contract.

All in all, the Spanish giants retain significant control over the defender’s future and could step in if they feel his development warrants a return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Another potential increase in competition is Chelsea’s interest. The Blues are also monitoring the defender’s situation, which could turn any move into a bidding war between Premier League clubs if Como decides to open negotiations.