Arsenal are targeting John Stones and Ezri Konsa as potential centre-back reinforcements this summer, after William Saliba was ruled out for an extended period following a back injury sustained during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.

Saliba, 25, will not require surgery, but the France international faces a lengthy rehabilitation process that has prompted the Gunners to accelerate their search for defensive cover.

Stones available on a free transfer

Stones became a free agent last month after his contract at Manchester City expired. The 32-year-old England defender is also attracting interest from Chelsea, according to Sky Sports News.

Stones shares a previous working relationship with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who served as assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City during Stones's time at the club.

Konsa a younger alternative

Konsa, 28, represented England alongside Stones at the World Cup and has two years left on his contract at Aston Villa. Four years younger than Stones, Konsa offers Arsenal a longer-term option at the heart of defence.

Both players are also capable of featuring at right-back, adding versatility to their appeal for Arteta's squad.

Arsenal's current defensive depth

The north London side have already moved to bolster their backline by completing the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie, who spent last season on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal also have Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber, and Ben White available as centre-back options.

White has resumed training after suffering a knee injury in May, while Timber confirmed this week that he is hoping to return soon as he continues his recovery from a groin problem.