Arsenal are reportedly one of three clubs who have made a ‘request’ for Roma defender Roger Ibañez.

A centreback currently on loan with Atalanta with a contract that contains an obligation to buy if he meets certain conditions, Roger Ibañez is a popular man.

Valued at around £18m, Arsenal along with Everton and Leicester have all reportedly made ‘requests’ for the 22-year-old player who is not for sale below £30m.

Arsenal have already shipped out Sead Kolasinac on loan until the end of the season but will also try to get rid of Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi as well. Given that Mikel Arteta doesn’t rate William Saliba, and he’s likely to leave on loan too, that means Arsenal would be left with Gabriel, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers, another player the club tried to sell, as their centrebacks.

Four is usually more than enough for a club so if another comes in you have to think someone else will be leaving.

We also have to ask if Arsenal are prepared to pay £30m or more for another centreback, what does that say about Wiliam Saliba’s long-term future?