Arsenal ‘identify’ cheap Jurrien Timber replacement as Premier League rivals ‘ready big bid’

Arsenal are back in action tonight (Monday) when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

An interesting test awaits the Gunners, with both teams looking to make it two wins from as many games in front of what will be a raucous Selhurst Park. Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest in their opener, but they were dealt a bitter injury blow in the form of Jurrien Timber, who is set to miss months of action with a knee injury.

Mikel Arteta and Edu may now move to replace Timber with another new signing, while there is also outgoing business to take care of at the Emirates Stadium. With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours concerning the Gunners.

Balogun offer

Arsenal are said to be bracing themselves for a big offer for striker Folarin Balogun.

According to the Daily Mail, Fulham are ready to offer as much as £35million plus add-ons for Balogun, potentially testing Arsenal’s resolve. The Gunners are said to want as much as £50million, but they are having a hard time shifting unwanted players like Nicolas Pepe, Rob Holding and Cedric Soares, so they may need to take a big fee where they can get one.

The Cottagers are hoping to land Balogun after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia.

Fresneda interest

Elsewhere, Arsenal are said to be keen on landing Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda as they look to replace Timber.

Fresneda is still only 18 years of age, so he may suit the Gunners in that he can provide cover for Timber in the medium term ahead of potentially being loaned out in the future. Arsenal will be reluctant to spend a big fee for a replacement for Timber when the summer signing is, at some point, going to return.

Fresneda is also said to be a target of Real Madrid’s, with Valladolid, accoridng to Record, via Sport Witness, wanting just over £10million.