After conceding 11 goals in four games, it could be defensive frailties that end up costing Arsenal in the Premier League title race, thus decisions have to be made in the summer transfer window.
Regardless of how this season finishes, if the Gunners want to mount another title challenge in the 2023/34 campaign and give a good account of themselves in the Champions League they'll need to tighten up at the back otherwise it will almost certainly prove to be a factor that stops them from achieving success.
Of course, with the summer transfer window just around the corner, Mikel Arteta's side are being linked with defensive reinforcements as Ivan Fresneda, Josip Sutalo and Devyne Rensch are just a few names that have been tipped to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in the next few months.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed huge Declan Rice transfer boost as West Ham plot plan for replacement
Although if the Arsenal manager and sporting director Edu Gaspar are planning to bolster this department, there could be a couple of senior defenders that may in turn look to use the summer window as an opportunity to leave north London for pastures new and seek regular football for next season.
But who should be kept, sold, or loaned out in the summer? football.london assesses Arteta's defensive options below...
Kieran Tierney
Once regarded as Arsenal's undisputed option at left-back and touted as a future captain. As the season has progressed it's clear that's no longer the case and despite only being in the early stages of his new long-term contract, Kieran Tierney is being linked with an exit this summer and it might be the perfect time to cash in.
However, there is an argument for retaining the services of the Scotland international as the Gunners will need greater squad depth to cope with the demands of playing in the Champions League next season. UNDECIDED
Benjamin White
Moved out to right-back this season following the return of William Saliba despite forging a very good central defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes after his £50m transfer in the summer of 2021. Benjamin White has grown into his new role and pretty much made it his own. KEEP
Gabriel Magalhaes
Now into his third season at Arsenal, the Brazilian has made the left-sided centre-back spot his own and after signing a new contract, late last year it means he won't be going anywhere for a while yet. KEEP
William Saliba
This is a no-brainer. After a very impressive start to his Arsenal career - three years after joining the club from Saint-Etienne, the Frenchman could be a mainstay of the Gunners' defence for the next decade or so, but his contract situation needs to be sorted very soon. KEEP and sign new contract
Jakub Kiwior
The Poland international has had to bide his time since joining for around £20m from Spezia in the January transfer window as he's the back-up option to Gabriel as Arsenal's left-sided defender. His role has been made crystal clear during the absence of Saliba of late and that's likely to be the case next season. KEEP
Rob Holding
Very rarely does a transfer window pass without talk of Rob Holding leaving. But this summer could be different as Arsenal's need for better cover for Saliba has been evident over the past six games and the arrival of a new defender will push the Englishman even further down the pecking order. SELL
Takehiro Tomiyasu
After joining Arsenal on deadline day in the summer of 2021, the Japan international adjusted to life in England pretty well, turning in consistent displays and was widely tipped to be the club's first-choice right-back for many years to come. However, fitness issues and White's form have changed that view somewhat.
Still extremely reliable when called upon and can even be used as a left-sided centre-back - where he plays for his national team - and at left-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu is a very good option to have in the squad but he simply has to remain healthy once he returns from injury in pre-season. KEEP
Oleksandr Zinchenko
One of Arsenal's big signings last summer, when fit, Oleksandr Zinchenko shows exactly why Arteta pushed so hard for his signature as he's so comfortable with the inverted style down the left flank and that's what gives him the advantage over Tierney at this point in time. KEEP
Loan players
Auston Trusty could be loaned out again for next season or sold given Arsenal have two left-sided central defenders, Pablo Mari is almost certain to complete a permanent transfer to Monza, whilst it wouldn't be a surprise if both Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares seek pastures new in the summer.
READ NEXT:
How many points Man City must drop for Arsenal to be crowned Premier League champions
Mikel Arteta can change his mind to hand Leandro Trossard an Arsenal recall against Chelsea
Martin Odegaard holds the key to Edu's £298m Arsenal transfer plan that can close Man City gap
Tierney signs for Newcastle, Smith Rowe to Aston Villa - 4 summer transfers Arsenal may regret
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke confirmed to land £35m windfall after Man City defeat
