5 defenders Arsenal could sign after Jurrien Timber injury

I think every Arsenal supporter was looking forward to seeing Jurrien Timber in action. But, as you know, we can’t have nice things. 

Timber enjoyed a stellar pre-season after joining the club for a bargain fee in July, and he was named in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI for the opening game of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest. Powerful, adroit, and technically supreme, Timber played out a confident opening 45 minutes at the Emirates before he was carded for a challenge just before half-time.

However, the yellow card was the least of his concerns.

While he was given the all-clear by the club’s medical team, Timber went down for a second time just minutes into the second half. His knee was clutched after succumbing without any contact, and it looks like we’ll be without our new versatile defender for quite a while.

Should the very worst news manifest in the coming days and it be revealed that Timber will miss much of his debut season, Arsenal may be tempted to go back into the transfer market for another defender.

5 defenders Arsenal could sign after Jurrien Timber injury

That will likely depend on Kieran Tierney’s future, but here are five options for the Gunners nonetheless.

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1. Aymeric Laporte

Once a defender Pep Guardiola seemingly couldn’t live without, Laporte has fallen drastically down Man City’s pecking order to the point where he’s now surplus to requirements.

The Cityzens’ evolution has passed the elegant left-footed defender by, with City happy to let Laporte depart for a reasonable fee this summer. If Arsenal decide to make a move, they won’t have to pay an extortionate price, although I’m sure the Manchester club will be reluctant to sell to their primary title rivals.

Laporte would be a superb addition to the Gunners’ backline. Not only is he one of the very best centre-backs around with the ball at his feet, but he’s also capable of operating as a left-back. Perhaps Arteta would let him invert off the left and play as a de facto central midfielder.

This could be a deal to watch out for.

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