Arsenal are keen on Kyle Walker-Peters to come in before the transfer deadline to replace the injured Jurrien Timber.
According to Ryan Taylor of the Express, Arsenal are considering several new full-back options in light of the Jurrien Timber injury. Kyle Walker-Peters features on that list, with the Gunners likely to tempt the 26-year-old defender from relegated Southampton.
Arsenal’s winning start to the season against Nottingham Forest got overshadowed by the severe injury to Jurrien Timber. Initial knee scans have indicated the Dutchman could miss a considerable portion of the season, which could send the Gunners back into the market for a replacement.
Timber has started as a left-back in the last three games, including pre-season fixtures, which put him as cover for Oleksandr Zinchenko. The position has complexities, making searching for a replacement a little tricky.
They had thought about Aymeric Laporte, but Manchester City remain hesitant to sell the defender to Arsenal. Similarly, they had been linked with the Spaniard’s teammate Joao Cancelo before signing Timber, but the Portuguese star will carry a massive asking price, especially for the Gunners.
🚨 Arsenal are prepared to add another left-sided defender to their ranks before the September 1 transfer deadline. There is a chance they could turn to a cost-effective alternative such as Leicester City’s Timothy Castagne or Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters. [@RyanTaylorSport] pic.twitter.com/63SJ6g61oG
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 15, 2023
Ivan Fresneda also remains an option and has been under consideration since the January window. The Real Valladolid star could have a lower price tag than some other targets, while Timothy Castagne also gets a mention in the report.
Another exciting name there is that of Kyle Walker-Peters. The 26-year-old defender could move on from relegated Southampton and return to the Premier League if presented with an opportunity. Surprisingly, only a few top-flight sides have shown interest, although things could accelerate in the latter stages of the window.
Walker-Peters has played in that inverted left-back role under former manager Ralph Hassnhuttl at Southampton and did well. So there’s a feeling he would integrate into Arteta’s style for Arsenal and prove his worth as a reliable backup to Zinchenko.
Any move will depend on the extent of Timber’s injury and Southampton’s asking price. With two years left in his deal with the Saints, Arsenal might attempt to sign the 26-year-old defender for a reasonable fee. He might also give the go-ahead for the move if the Gunners come in with an approach. Hence this story could have some legs between now and the end of the window.