William Gallas recommends three signings Arsenal must make after Man City loss

William Gallas feels that in order for Arsenal to have a significant influence in the Champions League next season, the team’s defense requires serious surgery this summer.

Since William Saliba sustained a back injury that could terminate his season, the Gunners have had trouble on defense, and Rob Holding has had a difficult time since joining the team.

In Wednesday night’s 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, Holding’s shortcomings were brutally exposed, effectively ending Arsenal’s hopes of ending a 19-year wait for the Premier League title.

Former Arsenal center-half Gallas thinks Mikel Arteta has to add depth at full-back while also finding a veteran defender who can compete with Saliba and Gabirel Magalhaes.

Given his lack of opportunities this season, Kieran Tierney is probably going to leave in the summer, while Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is prone to injuries, has only had a minor role this season on the other flank.

‘Next season Arsenal will play in the Champions League,’ Gallas told Genting Casino. ‘That is a big competition that everyone wants to play in. I think that Arsenal needs to add one experienced player at the back.

‘You want that player to create competition within the squad and put pressure on William Saliba and Gabriel. You also want that player to help William Saliba and Gabriel improve because they are both still young and they can improve parts of their game.

‘After that, you’re looking for Arteta to make sure that he finds the right balance and can rotate the squad to handle the demands of competing in the Champions League and the Premier League.

‘If you look at the left back, I’m not sure what will happen with Kieran Tierney in the summer, but if he leaves, then they will need to add another player that can come in and compete with Zinchenko.

‘He needs to be under more pressure. I don’t think he is brilliant defender – but we all know what he can do with the ball. You also need a top class right back.

‘This season Ben White has helped out there and it works against the smaller teams. However, when the level is higher, it is much more difficult for him to get forward and so he makes more mistakes defensively.’