Arsenal ‘identify’ two Jurrien Timber replacements as Mikel Arteta ‘drafts’ surprise back-up option

Arsenal are now preparing for a clash with Crystal Palace next Monday after getting off to a winning start.

The Gunners defeated Nottingham Forest in their opener and they will now be looking to keep their record at 100% heading into an all-London clash with Palace. In the meantime, Edu and Mikel Arteta will continue working on transfers, and it’s likely we will see more exits than incomings from this point following a busy summer for Arsenal.

Here we round up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Emergency candidate

Arsenal may have a surprise back-up candidate to replace new signing Jurrien Timber if the defender’s injury proves serious.

The Athletic’s James McNicholas has said: “At right-back, we’ve got [Takehiro] Tomiyasu, we’ve got Ben White.

“Beyond that, we do still have Cedric Soares and we’ve got Reuell Walters in the squad. No talk about a loan move for him so he could be an emergency candidate if required. Very highly-rated, lots of ability, could this be the opening that gives him a chance to impress potentially in the cup competitions?”

Other replacement opportunities

Arsenal are also being linked with two players after Timber’s possible long-term absence.

According to the Daily Express, versatile Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters could be an option, while Leicester City star Timothy Castagne is also said to be a possible signing. Arsenal will wait to see the results of the Timber tests before considering going into the market.

Though, cheaper signings or even loan signings could be the perfect option if Timber is injured for a number of months, and Walker-Peters and Castagne both fit those profiles. Either of the Championship could benefit from loan deals, saving wages as they look to bounce back up to the Premier League during this season.