Stick or twist? Should Arsenal sign another defender this summer?

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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal in action during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

1. Reason to stick: Others can play in his absence position

The last two transfer windows (January and summer of 2023) were all about squad depth, so perhaps this is the time to use it.

Although Timber himself acted as emergency cover for Zinchenko on Saturday, the Ukrainian is now fully fit again and could be replaced by Jakub Kiwior or Kieran Tierney if necessary.

Furthermore, Tomiyasu offers depth anywhere in the backline while, for the matches in which we dominate possession, Thomas Partey is capable of performing in a nominal right-back role.

Each potential fix can be added to the fact that Timber will return within 12 months, and the Gunners will not want to spend another fortune on someone who may block him out, especially when funds might be better used in other, sparsely populated departments.

In addition to the improved tactical edge, Arteta assembled a versatile team to help us cope with any layoffs, and recent business means we are now suitably equipped for that problem.

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