Arsenal transfer news: Gunners eye Ligue 1 for next right-back signing

In a strong position to finally claim the Premier League title, Arsenal are planning to use the summer transfer window to reshape their squad — and Mikel Arteta's side have identified a Ligue 1 right-back as one of their targets.

Still competing on four fronts in 2025-26 — the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton, top of the Premier League and a Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Portugal — Arsenal are gearing up for significant changes this summer.

The London club are prepared to part ways with several players who are short on playing time and/or capable of generating a healthy transfer fee.

Vanderson on Arsenal's radar

One position the Gunners are looking to strengthen is right-back. With just five Premier League starts to his name, Ben White is unlikely to be retained beyond this season. Blocked out by Jurrien Timber, the 28-year-old England international has not featured in the league since 25th January 2026 and a 2-3 defeat against Manchester United.

Arsenal are already planning for life after the former Leeds United man, who has been at the Emirates since the summer of 2021 when he arrived for £50m.

According to TEAMtalk, the club have identified several profiles to address the potential departure of White, who is under contract until June 2028 and could therefore command a solid fee. Alongside links to Wesley (AS Roma), Tino Livramento (Newcastle) and Nnamdi Collins (Eintracht Frankfurt), one Ligue 1 player features on the shortlist: Vanderson.

Will Vanderson leave Monaco this summer?

A January departure for the Brazilian Monaco defender had been discussed, with four Premier League clubs — including Tottenham — said to be monitoring him. However, Vanderson, who has made close to 150 appearances across all competitions, remained at the club under Sebastien Pocognoli.

Currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and set to miss several weeks, the former Gremio Porto Alegre man is unlikely to be held back by Monaco should a satisfactory offer arrive in the summer of 2026. Under contract until June 2028, Vanderson carries a market value of £17m.