Arsenal are ready so as to add one other left-sided defender to their ranks earlier than the September 1 switch deadline after shedding Jurrien Timber to a severe knee harm. The Dutchman sustained the difficulty within the 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday and is now anticipated to endure a prolonged interval of absence - a lot to the devastation of Mikel Arteta.

Timber has hit the bottom operating in north London following his £34million switch from Ajax and his eye-catching performances in pre-season noticed him fast-tracked into Arteta's beginning XI for Arsenal's Premier League opener and their Community Shield conquer Manchester City at Wembley, by which he impressed.

But now the Gunners are drawing up contingency plans as their medical employees proceed to conduct additional testing on Timber's knee, regardless of clear indications the participant is ready for a substantial spell on the sidelines.

Oleksandr Zinchenko continues to rebuild his health ranges whereas Kieran Tierney remains to be anticipated to be pushed in the direction of the exit door following his ongoing struggles to adapt to the calls for of Arteta's meticulous soccer.

Newcastle are looking for to agree a mortgage for the Scotsman with an obligation to purchase, though the Magpies are additionally contemplating different targets together with Chelsea duo Marc Cucurella and Lewis Hall. There is an opportunity Tierney's departure is not going to be sanctioned till a alternative is secured, nevertheless.

Real Sociedad have additionally held exploratory talks over an preliminary mortgage deal whereas West Ham are the most recent membership to indicate curiosity within the 26-year-old, whose departure would symbolize a chance to generate some money for reinvestment.

Arsenal are agency admirers of Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte, who can go away the Etihad Stadium this month on the proper value, however the Premier League champions are reluctant to do additional enterprise with the Gunners as they proceed to make large strides beneath their Spanish tactician.

City bought Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko to their north London counterparts final summer season and there may be now recognition that Arsenal symbolize a real menace to their home dominance after pushing Pep Guardiola's aspect to the wire final season within the title race.

Arteta and sporting director Edu would even be open to the prospect of signing Joao Cancelo if a deal was deemed financially viable, though as soon as once more, there may be large doubt City can be ready to strike an settlement with Arsenal or every other direct rival.

Cancelo has already agreed private phrases with Barcelona as the 2 golf equipment proceed to barter a deal for the Portuguese full-back, whose relationship with City boss Guardiola deteriorated final season earlier than his January mortgage swap to Bayern Munich.

Arteta is slowly assembling a defensive roster that's similar to City's backline by way of profile. Both are actually working with ball-playing centre-backs at full-back whereas handing them the license to step into midfield.

Should Arsenal battle to discover a resolution throughout the market, there's a probability they might flip to an economical various comparable to Timothy Castagne or Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters - each of whom are already established Premier League full-backs.

The relegated duo have beforehand been tracked by Arsenal's scouts and may very well be obtainable for a cut-price as they aim a direct return to the top-flight.

Fulham and Juventus are additionally Castagne who's but to characteristic for Leicester within the Championship beneath Enzo Maresca.

Walker-Peters stays a agency a part of Russell Martin's plans however there may be an acceptance Premier League golf equipment might goal the previous Spurs full-back later within the switch window.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes can also be being lined up for a big-money transfer to Saudi Arabia though Arsenal at present haven't any plans to promote the Brazilian regardless of his shock omission in opposition to Nottingham Forest.

Should one thing change on that entrance, Marc Guehi and Edmond Tapsoba are two defenders which might be more likely to characteristic in the direction of the highest of any revised Arsenal defensive shortlist.