According to the sources Edu wants £60 million. Crystal Palace guy at Arsenal with three stars in mind to make up for a disappointing loss
Arsenal could consider moves for three defenders in the January transfer window with speculation being addressed over their interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as a would-be replacement for Jurrien Timber. The Gunners spent lavishly over the summer as they look to build on last season’s second-place finish in the Premier League. Indeed, they parted with the best part of £210m as Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Timber and goalkeeper David Raya, the latter on an initial season-long loan, were brought to Emirates Stadium. However, boss Mikel Arteta is already one newbie down after seeing Timber suffer what appears a cruel season-ending ACL injury on debut against Nottingham Forest.
The Dutchman’s rehabilitation is already underway following a procedure to repair the damage and it looks touch and go if Arsenal will see the £38m signing from Ajax in action again this season. With his absence throwing Arteta’s plans into disarray, it was speculated that Arsenal would look to the market to bring in a replacement for the
unfortunate star. Indeed, Charles Watts revealed that sporting director Edu was actively pursuing a number of potential options late in the window. And while Arsenal spent the last few weeks of the window offloading a series of unwanted stars, with the likes of Folarin Balogun, Matt Turner and Kieran Tierney all departing, it was ultimately decided that Arsenal did not have the required funds to stay within FFP limitations to make a further addition.
However, their plan to strengthen their defence will come under review again ahead of the January window. Without wishing time away, that opens for business in just 118 days, and preparations for that window are already underway. READ MORE: Turkish giants ramp up pursuit of Arsenal star who could play key role after Partey injury Arsenal looking at Marc Guehi as one of three targets One man they were rumoured to be looking at is Guehi. The former Chelsea man has taken his game on to another level at Crystal Palace since a bargain £18m move from Chelsea. Indeed, any move for him would not come cheap with the Eagles rating him at around the £60m mark these days. The Gunners do have two other
Deals for all three could be revisited in the January window, though Ben Jacobs revealed to Caught Offside why Arteta did not transfer in the summer.
“Arsenal decided not to sign a replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber.” “Bringing in another defender was always going to be contingent on finding the right fit,” Jacobs explained.
Against Nottingham Forest, Timber was used as a left-back, and Arsenal have Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu (who, like Timber, can play on both sides), and even Jakub Kiwior.” And there is depth on the right with Thomas Partey and Ben White both capable of playing right-back.”
First, more sales at Arsenal
“That’s why, despite Timber’s presence, I believe Arteta is content with his defensive options,” Jacobs concluded.
“Alexander Bah of Benfica, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, and Victor Nelsson of Galatasaray were all linked, but there was never much substance.” Nelsson and Guehi are centre-backs, with the latter under contract until 2026 and not a player Palace wanted to lose. He’d be the type of signing who would expect to get regular playing time.”
Arsenal could further simplify their roster with other departures this month before the January window opens for business. Jorginho, Arteta’s January signing, is among those in demand, though the Italian international is unlikely to leave.
