Mikel Arteta begins plans for another defensive overhaul in north London

Holding a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table and sat firmly in the driving seat to claim a first domestic crown since way back in 2004, Arsenal have gained a fearsome reputation from across the globe.

However, although Mikel Arteta’s men might be dreaming of the chance to complete an iconic silverware sweep this year, it has been suggested that the Spanish tactician is planning another defensive overhaul in north London.

While the superstar duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba might have recently returned from respective injury issues, Arteta is still dealing with a mounting treatment room.

With summer recruit Piero Hincapie picking up a reported muscle injury during Arsenal’s 0-0 stalemate against Liverpool on January 8th, Italian international Ricardo Calafiori has also not featured since December 23rd due to a calf issue.

With under three weeks left of the January transfer window, Arteta is reportedly keen on adding a pair of England internationals to strength Arsenal’s title charge.

Guehi & Livramento top Arteta’s wishlist

Eventually watching his long-awaited move to Liverpool fall through in the most dramatic of fashion over the summer, Marc Guehi still finds himself at the heart of an extended transfer saga.

Forced to stay put at Crystal Palace and making it abundantly clear that he will not be putting pen to paper on a new deal at Selhurst Park, the England international now appears that he could be set on a blockbuster switch across the capital.

While Manchester City might remain linked with a move for the former Chelsea youngster, it has been reported that Arteta is a huge admirer of the Palace skipper and sees the 25-year-old as a dream target this month.

With Palace boss Oliver Glasner leaving the door open for Guehi’s exit before the January transfer window slams shut, The Metro reported over the weekend that the 26-cap international would be open on a move to the Emirates.

However, despite reportedly being sat in the driving seat to snatch Guehi’s signature this month, he is not the only English defensive star who is on Arteta’s radar.

While Tino Livramento might have dealt with a handful of injury issues this season, the 23-year-old is widely regarded as one of England’s most exciting full-backs and is expected to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.

Although Newcastle might have reportedly placed a £60million price tag on their defensive star, it has been suggested that Arteta sees Livramento as a long-term option.

🚨 Arsenal retain long-held Marc Guehi interest – most likely as summer option. #AFC discussing Crystal Palace defender + in touch with 25yo’s camp. #LFC also want England int’l at end of season, #MCFC keen immediately @TheAthleticFC after @johncrossmirror https://t.co/AFTdNo1KVM

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 8, 2026

White on his way out of north London?

While Ben White might have been a key part of Arteta’s early tenure at the Emirates, the former Brighton star has quickly becoming a forgotten figure in north London and there are serious questions over his future.

Despite playing 69 minutes during Arsenal’s 4-1 FA Cup victory away at Championship outfit Portsmouth over the weekend, that is the only domestic start that the 28-year-old has made since December 6th.

Likewise, dealing with another minor injury setback last month, White has featured for just eight minutes in any of Arsenal’s previous six appearances against top-flight opposition.

Making just five Premier League appearances this season and with Arteta reportedly keen on allowing the England international a permanent move away from north London, White doesn’t appear to be any part of the Spaniard’s plans going forward.

Despite having over two years on his current deal at the Emirates, Football Insider reported on Sunday that Everton are keen on agreeing a potential deal this month.

Everton are eyeing a move for Arsenal defender Ben White to solve their problematic right-back issue. #EFC #AFC pic.twitter.com/WeRDnp25K7

— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 11, 2026