Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners could explore the summer market for options to replace Jurrien Timber after his ACL injury was confirmed
Mikel Arteta received the worst possible news earlier this week regarding the severity Jurrien Timber's injury. During his competitive debut for the Gunners against Nottingham Forest, the Netherlands international went over in a challenge with Brennan Johnson which resulted in him eventually being removed from the pitch.
"It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on."
Asked about the possibility of his transfer plans changing because of Timber's injury, Arteta replied: "I’m more thinking about the resources in the team to keep doing what we want to do. But it’s true he was giving us a lot on both sides. But again, it’s things that happen and we have to be prepared for that."
One option was Benjamin Pavard who looked primed for a departure from Bayern Munich with Inter appearing as favourites to sign the wantaway defender. However, the 27-year-old has made a complete U-turn by making the decision to stay at Allianz Arena, although a Premier League club showing serious interest could see that stance change again.
Real Sociedad star Ivan Fresneda has been a long-term target of Arsenal with his ability to invert suiting Arteta's methods. However, in recent weeks links have gone quiet but those could return following Timber's diagnosis and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believing he could leave Sociedad for between €10million and €12million (£8.6million to £10.3million).
He said: "I think Dani [Olmo] feels super comfortable with his role here at the moment. Nothing is impossible in this business, but I don't hope that anyone thinks there's a door open. I could say now, only about my... but I'm not saying that. Simakan to Arsenal, Olmo to Manchester City, I think Sesko is already dissatisfied and wants to go to Inter Milan."
Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo looks set for a permanent exit with the Gunners, and Arteta in particular, as long-term admirers. Although, Barcelona are advancing in their deal to sign the Portugal international after they received a cash injection from the sale of Ousmane Dembele.
But that transfer could be a boost for Arsenal as Cancelo's arrival at Camp Nou could open the door for the north Londoners to make a move for Jules Kounde. The France international only joined Barcelona last summer but has continued to be linked with a departure and Cancelo's expected arrival in his position could hint a potential exit is on the cards.
In fact, according to Twitter user @BlxckNews, the Gunners are 'considering' making an offer to sign Kounde. The Gunners are said to be eyeing Barcelona's difficult financial situation with their proposal to be between around €60million to €70million (£51.3million to £59.9million).