Have you heard the joke about the success starved club like Arsenal that filled its team full of attacking players even though it didn’t have a central defender worthy of gate crashing Manchester City’s reserve squad. There’s no punchline but it is something of a joke

Arsenal have managed to acquire some exciting forward options in Martinelli and apparently Soares, who is just a biro squiggle away from joining the gunners but their defence remains a concern.

A bit curious that Arsenal haven’t been publicly linked to a first choice CB, especially with Koscielny likely off.

Saliba a great signing, but doesn’t help this year.

More than Zaha, Tierney, Ceballos, etc. #AFC need a quality CB.

— Arsenal Weekly (@arsenalwkly) July 21, 2019

I’m starting to think that Emery has already decided on his plan B and that apart from Holding and Sokratis, his options are already on his doorstep. That’s a phrase we’ll come across again as we go on.

We’ve read all about the problems with Koscielny, the Spaniards disregard for Bielik and Chambers and his uncertainty over the future of Mavropanos. To complicate matters, Saliba will not be available at Arsenal for another season and if the Tierney deal goes ahead, he won’t be there for the start. So where are the defenders ?

Zec Medley looked as if he could be called upon in a recent game against the Rapids on the US tour and although he is inexperienced, is he a worse option that the German ginger giant, that cost the deposit of a decent house but turned out to be a caravan in disguise.

Just Today, The Mirror has managed to reinvent the Zaha connection because of Josh Kroenke’s words. The son of the American owner said of Arsenal’s transfer plans,

“There are a few things that I know our group are working on, and a few things we hopefully have on the doorstep.”

The Mirror has decided to take then term ‘doorstep’ literally and assumed that the pending transfers include Wilfred Zaha. I’m convinced it doesn’t because of the current strike force of Aubameyang and Lacazette of front for Arsenal and the emergence of Eddie Nketiah and Tyreece John-Jules.

On the flanks, the arrival of the Samba boys at Arsenal ( Martinelli and Soares) indicates either could stand a chance of making the first team almost immediately.

Arsenal set to win race to sign William Saliba. Close to completion after Saint Etienne centre-back opted for #AFC. Loan back to #ASSE next season. Also working on loan for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos & continue pursuit of Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney #RMFC #CelticFC

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 17, 2019

Then there’s Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka who are surely going to become regulars within two seasons at Arsenal. So where could Emery use Zaha ?

Well, the only other answer is for him to sell Aubameyang at the age of 30 but that move is questionable without a solid defence in place. The only reason that Arsenal got close to champions league football qualification was their ability to get goals through the Gabonese striker and his French partner.

Rumours persist of Manchester United’s interest in the player and in all honesty it’s deal could be done, but with the current squad, it would be like taking the engine out of your car and putting pedals in it.

Emery has stated that three or four players are due to arrive at Arsenal and that this number includes Martinelli. Saliba will be out on loan after the deal is concluded and the move for Tierney isn’t even close at this time but it’s said that Arsenal are making adjustments to the figures involved.

So here’s the thing, does the pending arrival of Everton Soares takes that final slot for Arsenal ?

Any transfer involving Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid, would surely be excluded from the final total because it’s a loan deal one assumes. In short, Arsenal have given themselves a mountain to climb because of their financial position and it remains to be seen if Emery can’t get what he desperately needs in the time available.

Arsenal are hoping to finalise the deal with Ceballos, they are also preparing a third bid for Kieran Tierney. #AFC are looking for alternatives to Zaha as signing him looks unlikely. Everton Soares is strongly linked.

Emery also hopes to land another CB. [Via @charles_watts] pic.twitter.com/ElYPM5uunf

— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) July 20, 2019

As for Zaha’s arrival, I don’t think it’s imminent. He may remain on the doorstep of Crystal Palace for at least another season, unless Arsenal sell off another prized asset to their premiership rivals.