Arsenal are champions, but their summer has been shaped by one defensive problem.

William Saliba suffered a back injury while playing for France at the World Cup. He avoided surgery, yet faces a lengthy rehabilitation that has forced Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta to explore the centre back market.

The Gunners are not short of bodies at the back.

Gabriel remains the leader of the defence, while Piero Hincapié has joined permanently following his loan from Bayer Leverkusen. Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber and Ben White can all operate centrally too.

However, Saliba is simply different.

His understanding with Gabriel has been central to Arsenal's success, and finding somebody who can cover that role without reducing the level is no easy task.

Ezri Konsa has emerged as the clearest target, with Arsenal exploring a deal for the Aston Villa defender, although Villa's £60 million valuation has created a sizeable obstacle.

John Stones was another attractive possibility because of his relationship with Arteta and ability on the ball, but he has since joined Inter Milan.

Arsenal have also been linked with RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba, Como's Jacobo Ramon, Real Sociedad prospect Jon Martin and Real Madrid youngster Victor Valdepenas.

Each offers potential, but none would be as big of a shock move as a swoop for Tottenham's Cristian Romero.

The Tottenham captain scored four goals and supplied one assist in 23 league appearances last season, but he also collected 11 yellow cards and was sent off twice, numbers which capture both his influence and the risk attached to his front foot style.

A move across north London, however, would be explosive.

Arsenal have seriously explored a deal for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero

Alfredo Pedulla now reports that Arsenal have been 'strongly' exploring a deal for Romero as Tottenham aim to sell their wantaway defender on the cheap.

The Italian journalist claims Atlético Madrid have opened direct talks with Spurs and are increasing an offer that initially fell well short, with Tottenham said to want around £34 million despite Romero only signing a new deal last year.

Inter remain involved, and Pedulla says they have agreements over Romero's wages and the transfer terms, but must first complete a sale.

Benjamin Pavard has reportedly been offered around, although he has so far rejected every club presented to him.

That delay has given Atletico an opening.

The Spanish club are pushing to close the gap and offer Romero another route out of Tottenham, but Arsenal's position appears far less advanced.

Pedulla says the Gunners have tested the conditions, but acknowledges that relations between Arsenal and Tottenham have been 'icy' for years.

Romero would bring authority, bite and proven quality while Saliba recovers, and he could also compete with Gabriel and Saliba when everybody is available.

Yet Tottenham would surely be reluctant to do business at best, if they even agreed to talk at all.