Gabriel Magalhaes reacts to Jurrien Timber’s two-word message away from Arsenal
Jurrien Timber’s versatility could prove crucial for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta prioritises forward areas in the transfer market.
Arsenal finished second for the third season in a row to miss out on the Premier League title once again, and a significant summer of spending is on the cards as the Gunners look to close the gap to Liverpool.
Martin Zubimendi’s expected arrival from Real Sociedad is likely to be Arsenal’s only defensive-minded transfer other than a back-up goalkeeper to David Raya, with significant reinforcements needed up front.
Arteta is yet to decide on whether to sign Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko as Arsenal’s new number nine, with any further headline additions likely to target the left wing and attacking midfield positions.
Timber takes time away from Arsenal after breakthrough season
Although Arsenal’s need for an out-and-out centre-forward has been clear over the past two seasons at least, Arteta has had a focus on signing defensive players like Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Timber.
The Dutchman’s debut season at the Emirates was cut short by an ACL injury, but Timber made 48 appearances in all competitions last term as his versatility across the backline proved vital for Arsenal.
That versatility could be key in the first weeks of the coming campaign after Gabriel suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out for the rest of last season, and Timber could start alongside William Saliba.
After spending his off-season break in his ancestral home of Curacao, Timber posted on Instagram (21 June) with the message of: “Free mind”.
Timber’s international team-mates Sven Botman and Ryan Gravenberch both left ‘love heart’ comments beneath his post, while Gabriel also added a message which simply said: “Vai (Go) Corinthians”.
Timber must overcome England duo to retain Arsenal spot
Football Insider Verdict
Timber’s 48 appearances were only bettered by Saliba, Rice, Raya and the departing Thomas Partey last season but, it’s arguable that he could be left on the bench if Arteta has a fully fit squad to choose form.
Gabriel and Saliba are irreplaceable in central defence when available, and Ben White’s return to fitness after a season troubled by injuries may see him push Timber out to regain his starting spot at right-back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has also become undroppable at left-back after a breakthrough campaign of his own, and as both he and White look to establish themselves in England’s World Cup squad, the onus is now on Timber to keep his place.