HERE WE GO: Arsenal set to complete the signing of £40m star as Timber replacement, personal terms agreed yesterday night, medical to take place in the next 24hrs
Mikel Arteta could be working through a lengthy list of options to potentially replace Jurrien Timber after his ACL injury against Nottingham Forest. The Netherlands international’s ability to invert means his value to the team will be sorely missed with Arteta particularly disappointed.
“Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club,” he said when asked about how much of a blow Timber’s absence will be. “To have the injury he has is a huge blow. It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on.”
However, Arteta could welcome back Oleksandr Zinchenko for the Monday evening clash against Crystal Palace. The return of his other inverted option could therefore result in Arteta considering a more traditional full-back signings.
Joao Cancelo and Ivan Fresneda could therefore not be options although Benjamin Pavard is a realistic target with his Bayern Munich future in doubt and he has been joined by Jules Kounde as a fresh option in the position. There is no guarantee a replacement is acquired, with Takehiro Tomiyasu able to play in the position and Thomas Partey capable of filling in.
However, a new name has emerged that could be a tempting move to pursue for Arteta and Edu to explore despite his Tottenham links. According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters could become an option for Arsenal, with the player open to the move on one condition.
Speaking to GiveMeSport about Arsenal’s options, he said: “When you look to bring someone in, you can’t necessarily go for somebody that – once Timber returns – is not going to have an integral role within the team. This is where I think Arsenal need to be diplomatic in who they’re looking for.
“A player like Kyle Walker-Peters could be open to the move but would still want guarantees of minutes and game-time. I wonder whether Arsenal will look for more of a stop gap than necessarily a permanent-type signing in order to ensure that they don’t rock the boat or the chemistry within the side.”
