Fantasy Premier League managers are assessing Arsenal's defensive options for the 2026-27 season, a task reported this week by the New York Times. The Gunners' backline offers high clean-sheet potential and valuable attacking returns, making it a key area for FPL squads. Arsenal currently sit ninth in the Premier League with three points from one game, having won their opener 3-0 to boast a perfect defensive record so far.
Who is Arsenal's top FPL defender?
Gabriel remains the standout premium choice. Priced at £8.0 million, he was the highest-scoring defender in the game last season with 209 points. His threat from set-pieces and consistent returns for clean sheets, goals, assists, and bonus points make him Arsenal's most complete FPL asset. His reliability is a major factor for managers building their squads.
With William Saliba sidelined and no expected return date, and Jurriën Timber also among the currently injured players listed on our injuries page, opportunities have opened up elsewhere in defence. This situation directly impacts the value of other Arsenal defenders in the fantasy game.
Which budget Arsenal defender offers the best value?
The most intriguing budget option is new signing Ezri Konsa. The former Aston Villa centre-back, acquired for £4.5 million, was brought in with Saliba out. He offers versatility, being comfortable at both centre-back and right-back, which provides manager Mikel Arteta with a flexible option. Arteta said the player is "progressing really well." Konsa's arrival is likely to limit minutes for Cristhian Mosquera, who started in Gameweek One but is now under threat.
Konsa was reportedly bought to play alongside Gabriel, and his presence could also slightly affect the expected minutes for established right-back Ben White, priced at £5.5 million. White, who scored four goals and provided five assists in the 2023-24 season, is very likely to continue starting until Timber returns to full fitness.
What is the situation at left-back?
On the left side, Riccardo Calafiori, priced at £5.5 million, might have the highest attacking ceiling of Arsenal's defenders. He is described as more than a conventional full-back, with strong movement, ability on the ball, and a tendency to get involved in advanced areas. He faces competition from Piero Hincapie, also £5.5 million, but is considered first choice.
For the moment, Calafiori looks set to start while the schedule is kind, and he should be fine until the first international break after Gameweek Five. However, once the Champions League and domestic cups begin in earnest, he is at risk of rotation. This is a key consideration for FPL managers planning for the long term.
How does Arsenal's defence shape up for the next game?
Arsenal's next test is a significant one: a home match against Chelsea on September 6th. Chelsea are third in the table, making it a tough fixture for clean sheet prospects. The Gunners' strong start, with three goals scored and none conceded, provides a solid foundation. However, their stacked defence means minutes can be difficult to predict once everyone is fully fit.
FPL managers must weigh price, rotation risk, and attacking threat. Gabriel is the secure pick, while Konsa presents a compelling budget route into a defence that has started the season strongly. You can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our standings and fixtures pages. With key players still absent, the defensive picture could evolve in the coming weeks.
