Arsenal’s next signing could tick a box that nobody has ticked for 24 years

Arsenal have a habit of signing players off the back of major international tournaments.

Mikel Merino arrived after Euro 2024, having helped Spain win the tournament, scoring a late winner against Germany en route to the final.

Riccardo Calafiori joined the same summer after the defender had a breakout tournament for Italy.

Lucas Torreira signed in July 2018 after starring for Uruguay at the World Cup in Russia.

Arsenal signed a trio of players after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina coming to the Emirates.

But there is one box that none of those signings ticked, and Arsenal’s next defensive target could tick it for the first time in 24 years.

Arsenal want to sign World Cup winner Marc Pubill

If Marc Pubill joins Arsenal, he would become the first player to sign for the club immediately after winning the World Cup since Gilberto Silva in 2002.

Arsene Wenger signed Gilberto from Atletico Mineiro after playing every single minute of Brazil’s World Cup-winning campaign.

He of course went on to become one of Arsenal’s most important players during the Invincibles era.

Pubill, who Fabrizio Romano claims is “super appreciated” by Arsenal, had an excellent debut season at Atletico Madrid after joining last summer.

Arsenal see him as a player who can cover both right-back and centre-back, which would be the smart play given William Saliba’s injury and concerns over Jurrien Timber’s fitness.

Pubill spent the World Cup on the bench alongside Arsenal duo David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, playing just one minute of action.

But the fact that he was part of the squad ahead of Cristhian Mosquera hints that the Gunners would be getting a quality addition.

Fans may also remember Pubill being involved in an altercation with Gabriel Jesus after the Champions League semi-final in May.

A deal won’t be easy, though. Atletico want to keep him and hold all the cards with four years remaining on his contract.

Andrea Berta will try his best to negotiate with his former club, who he has been in contact with at various points this summer over Julian Alvarez.

If he can somehow get both, Arsenal could then boast five World Cup winners in the squad.