Arsenal determined in opposition to signing address for the wounded Jurrien Timber but did have three names they considered just before the end of the summertime, according to Ben Jacobs in his distinctive CaughtOffside column.
The Gunners ended up dealt an early blow this year when summertime signing Timber went off hurt towards Nottingham Forest with a issue that later proved to be extremely severe and just one which would be possible to rule him out for considerably of the period.
The remarkably-rated youthful Dutchman looked a superb addition from Ajax, but Arsenal had been then remaining to ponder if they should really glance for choices in that spot of the pitch.
According to Jacobs, Arsenal considered Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Benfica’s Alexander Bah and Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson, however it seems there was not specially strong interest, and some concerns with Guehi in specific.
Palace have been not eager on losing Guehi, even though he also would’ve been eager to engage in frequently, which wouldn’t be guaranteed at the Emirates Stadium.
“Arsenal decided against buying cover for the injured Jurrien Timber. Bringing in a different defender was generally only likely to transpire if the proper suit turned accessible,” Jacobs claimed.
“Timber was utilized as a left-back towards Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal have Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu (who like Timber can enjoy on each sides) and even Jakub Kiwior. And there is depth on the correct because Thomas Partey and Ben White can the two engage in correct-back again.
“That’s why I think Arteta is information with his defensive solutions even however Timber is out for a number of months. A great deal of these gamers, Timber integrated, are really adaptable and can participate in in two, or even 3, diverse positions. So there was just no need for Arsenal to worry acquire.
“The likes of Benfica’s Alexander Bah, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson were all joined, but there was by no means a excellent offer of substance. Bah is a correct-again and Nelsson and Guehi centre-backs, with the latter below agreement until 2026 and not a player Palace preferred to eliminate. He would be the form of signing who would hope standard minutes.”
