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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2. Joao Cancelo

It’s pretty remarkable that a player of Cancelo’s talent hasn’t been picked up yet, with interested parties struggling to finance a deal.

Arsenal were linked with a move for the Portuguese international earlier this summer before signing Timber, and Barcelona looked like they’d acquire the Man City man. However, if you’d forgotten, they haven’t got any money.

So, for now, Cancelo’s situation remains unresolved and the murmurs surrounding a potential move to Arsenal have increased once more. However, given how much it’d cost to bring him in, I don’t think this one makes much sense, especially if Arsenal are after more of a stop-gap option.

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3. Timothy Castagne

Castagne isn’t going to inspire many, but I thought he’d be a pretty shrewd pickup for the right price before Timber was signed. The Dutchman is obviously vastly superior to the Belgian, but if the Gunners want someone to fill in the depth chart while Timber’s out, Castagne could be brought in on loan.

He’s an unspectacular but solid alternative capable of affecting the game at both ends of the pitch. He’s excellent in the air and a very good athlete, overall.

A Castagne loan would also allow the defender to return to Leicester should they return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

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4. Kyle Walker-Peters

Speculation regarding the club seeking a cost-effective depth option in the wake of Timber’s injury does make some sense. Along with Castagne, Walker-Peters has also been mentioned.

The former Tottenham full-back blossomed into one of the Premier League’s best at his position before Southampton’s dire 2022/23 campaign, and his versatility will undoubtedly intrigue Arteta. While primarily a right-back, Walker-Paters is also capable off the left.

He does have some physical shortcomings, but he’s a technically proficient customer who boasts sound defensive fundamentals. Providing cover at both full-back positions is a huge bonus, and like Castagne, Arsenal could sign the former Spurs man on loan for 2023/24.

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5. Ivan Fresneda

Links to young Real Valladolid right-back Fresneda emerged in January, and there was a point when it looked as if Arsenal signing the young Spaniard was a given.

While his team struggled last season, Fresneda excelled at full-back and caught the eye of a whole host of clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. The latter are still very much in the hunt for the Spaniard with Arsenal’s interest cooling over the Spaniard, but Barça’s hesitation means Fresneda is very much on the market.

The youngster’s potential is sky-high, although he might not be the short-term answer the club needs. It may take some time for Fresneda to settle, but he’d initially only be expected to provide cover at both full-back positions.

Arteta will be praying that Oleksandr Zinchenko can ditch his injury bug, and pleading Ben White stays out of harm’s way.