Arsenal FC Defenders 2024/25

Arenal fc team lineup

Arsenal FC Defenders 2024/25

Arsenal has a reputation for having one of the most formidable defensive lineups in Europe. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, the Gunners have blended experience, youth, versatility, and tactical acumen to create a defensive unit capable of competing on all fronts. Here’s a roundup of Arsenal FC defenders for the 2024/25 season.

1. William Saliba

William Saliba has solidified his reputation as one of the best young center-backs in world football. Returning from loan spells in Ligue 1, Saliba has become an integral part of Arsenal FC backline, combining strength, composure, and excellent ball-playing ability.

  • Date of Birth: March 24, 2001
  • Nationality: French
  • Former Club: Saint-Étienne
  • Transfer Fee: €30 million (2019)

2. Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney brings energy, determination, and attacking flair to Arsenal’s defense. Known for his overlapping runs and defensive solidity, Tierney remains a vital asset on the club’s left flank. The Scottish transferred from Celtic FC for an estimated 25 million in 2019.

  • Date of Birth: June 5, 1997
  • Nationality: Scottish
  • Former Club: Celtic FC
  • Transfer Fee: £25 million (2019)

3. Ben White

Ben White has proven to be one of Arsenal’s most versatile defenders, seamlessly transitioning between center-back and right-back roles. His ability to carry the ball out of defense and precise passing are key features of Arsenal’s buildup play. He transferred to Arsenal FC Squad in 2021 for an estimated £50 million.

  • Date of Birth: October 8, 1997
  • Nationality: English
  • Former Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Transfer Fee: £50 million (2021)

4. Gabriel Magalhães

Gabriel Magalhães is a Brazilian professional footballer born on December 19, 1997, in São Paulo, Brazil. He plays as a centre-back for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Brazil national team. Gabriel began his career at Avaí, a Brazilian club, before moving to French side Lille OSC in 2017. During his time at Lille, he was loaned out to Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb. In 2020, he joined Arsenal for a fee of £27 million. Known for his strength, aggression, tackling, and aerial ability, Gabriel has established himself as one of the top defenders in the Premier League.

  • Date of Birth: December 19, 1997
  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Club: Lille OSC
  • Transfer Fee: £27 million (2020)

5. Jurriën Timber

Jurriën Timber is a Dutch professional footballer born on June 17, 2001, in Utrecht, Netherlands. He plays as a defender for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Netherlands national team. Timber is versatile, primarily playing as a right-back but also capable of playing as a centre-back. Timber began his youth career at DVSU before moving to Feyenoord and then Ajax, where he signed his first professional contract in 2018. He made his senior debut for Ajax in March 2020 and won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup with the club. In July 2023, he transferred to Arsenal for an initial fee of £34 million.

  • Date of Birth: June 17, 2001
  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Club: Ajax
  • Transfer Fee: £40 million (2023)

6. Jakub Kiwior

Jakub Kiwior is a Polish professional footballer born on February 15, 2000, in Tychy, Poland. He plays as a centre-back or left-back for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Poland national team. Kiwior began his youth career at PUKKS Chrzciciel Tychy and later moved to UKS Grom Tychy, GKS Tychy, and Anderlecht. He made his professional debut in 2018 with Slovak side FK Železiarne Podbrezová. In 2019, he transferred to MŠK Žilina, where he played until 2021 before joining Spezia Calcio in Italy. In January 2023, Kiwior moved to join Arsenal FC Defenders squad for a reported fee of £20 million.

  • Date of Birth: February 15, 2000
  • Nationality: Polish
  • Former Club: Spezia
  • Transfer Fee: £20 million (2023)

7. Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu is a Japanese professional footballer born on November 5, 1998, in Fukuoka, Japan. He plays as a defender for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Japan national team. Primarily a right-back, he can also be deployed as a centre-back. Tomiyasu began his career at Avispa Fukuoka before moving to Belgian club Sint-Truiden in 2018. In 2019, he joined Bologna in Serie A, where he impressed with his defensive skills. Arsenal signed him in August 2021, and he quickly became a key player for the team, known for his versatility, strong defensive abilities, and composure on the ball.

  • Date of Birth: November 5, 1998
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Former Club: Bologna
  • Transfer Fee: £18 million (2021)

8. Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko is a Ukrainian professional footballer born on December 15, 1996, in Radomyshl, Ukraine. He plays as a left-back or midfielder for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Ukraine national team. Zinchenko began his career at Ufa in the Russian Premier League before joining Manchester City in 2016. At Manchester City, he transitioned from an attacking midfielder to a left-back under Pep Guardiola, winning four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, and an FA Cup. In July 2022, he transferred to join Arsenal FC defenders squad for a fee of £32 million.

  • Date of Birth: December 15, 1996
  • Nationality: Ukrainian
  • Former Club: Manchester City
  • Transfer Fee: £32 million (2022)

9. Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori is an Italian professional footballer born on May 19, 2002, in Rome, Italy. He plays as a left-back or centre-back for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Italy national team. Calafiori began his senior career with Roma, making his Serie A debut in August 2020. After a loan spell at Genoa and a permanent move to Basel, he joined Bologna in 2023. In July 2024, he transferred to Arsenal for a reported fee of £42 million. Known for his defensive intelligence and versatility, he has quickly become an important player for Arsenal.

  • Date of Birth: May 19, 2002
  • Nationality: Italian
  • Former Club: FC Basel
  • Transfer Fee: €5 million (2024)

10. Maldini Kacurri

Maldini Kacurri is an Albanian professional footballer born on October 4, 2005, in Lewisham, London, England. He plays as a defender for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Albania national team. Kacurri began his youth career at Fulham before moving to Arsenal in 2022. He signed his first professional contract to join Arsenal FC defenders squad in July 2024 and made his senior debut in September 2024 during an EFL Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. Known for his strong defensive skills and tall stature, he primarily plays as a centre-back.

  • Date of Birth: January 23, 2004
  • Nationality: Albanian
  • Former Club: Arsenal Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy product)

11. Josh Nichols

Josh Nichols is an English professional footballer born on July 26, 2006, in London, England. He plays as a right-back for Arsenal in the Premier League. Nichols joined Arsenal’s youth academy at the age of eight after trials with Chelsea, Tottenham, and West Ham. He signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in July 2024 and made his senior debut in September 2024 during an EFL Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. Nichols is known for his defensive skills and versatility, and he has impressed during pre-season tours with the first team. Although born in England, he is eligible to play internationally for Nigeria through his mother, and for Jamaica and Guyana through his father.

  • Date of Birth: March 2, 2005
  • Nationality: English
  • Former Club: Arsenal Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy product)

12. Ayden Heaven

Ayden Heaven is an English professional footballer born on September 22, 2006, in London, England. He plays as a centre-back for Arsenal in the Premier League and the England U19 national team. Heaven began his youth career at West Ham United before moving to Arsenal’s academy. He signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in July 2024 and made his senior debut in October 2024 during an EFL Cup match against Preston North End. Known for his defensive skills and versatility, he can also play as a left-back.

  • Date of Birth: July 10, 2005
  • Nationality: English
  • Former Club: Arsenal Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy product)

13. Josh Robinson

Josh Robinson is an English professional footballer born on December 20, 2004, in London, England. He plays as a right-back for Arsenal’s U21 team in the Premier League 2. Robinson is known for his versatility, being able to play both as a right-back and a centre-back. He joined Arsenal’s youth academy and signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2023. Robinson has made several appearances for Arsenal’s youth teams, including in the UEFA Youth League and Premier League 2. He is recognized for his defensive skills and ability to contribute to the attack.

  • Date of Birth: August 12, 2006
  • Nationality: English
  • Former Club: Arsenal Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy product)

Arsenal FC’s defensive unit for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and versatility. With world-class talents like Saliba, White, and Gabriel anchoring the backline, and promising prospects such as Nichols, Kacurri, and Robinson emerging from the academy, the club is well-equipped for both present and future challenges. This balance reflects the club’s ambition to dominate domestically and in Europe, ensuring a bright defensive future for the Gunners.