Arsenal could save £50million next summer on William Saliba understudy

Arsenal's performance against Chelsea could save them millions in the transfer market this summer trying to find cover for William Saliba.

The Frenchman was absent for Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Chelsea, as the Gunners rendered Frank Lampard to his fourth Premier League defeat in a row.

Goals from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus ensured all three three points, as Mikel Arteta aims to keep pace with title rivals Manchester City.

Should they fail to lift the trophy this season, fingers will be pointed towards Saliba, who sustained a back injury against Sporting Lisbon last March.

Indeed, his absence was sorely missed during three back-to-back league draws and a heavy 4-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola's side.

Recent performances have led Arteta to consider back-up options in defence, with Rob holding struggling to replicate Saliba's calming presence.

However, following Jakub Kiwior's assured performance against Chelsea, the Gunners boss may need look no further than the Poland international, who seamlessly adjusted to the right-hand side of defence.

Arsenal finding ways to cope without Saliba

Kiwior was originally signed to help provide competition for Gabriel Magalhaes, however, the pair formed a useful partnership on Tuesday evening.

Questions were raised over Kiwior's ability to play on the right-hand side of a back four, being naturally left-footed.

However, the 22-year-old put any doubters to rest, suggesting Arteta might not need to invest in that position after all.

Speaking after the game, Arteta waxed lyrical about the defender, revealing he is 'more settled' at the club.

“I really like Kiwior, that’s why we signed him. He’s been getting better and better”.

“He’s more settled. He has the potential at his age to be great and he had a big task against the players he had to face today, and I think he did really well”.

Recent reports have linked Arsenal with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is able to play on both the left and right-hand side of defence.

However, the Englishman won't come cheap, with a £50 million price tag being touted, claim the Daily Mail.

While Guehi's former club Chelsea would be beneficiaries of any potential transfer - and keen to squeeze every penny out of a deal as they seek to raise funds to stay within Financial Fair Play rules.

Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Marc Guehi, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno