Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that his side could dip back into the transfer market to find a replacement for summer signing Jurrien Timber after it was confirmed that the defender would miss much of the season through injury.
The Dutchman went down early in the second half of his side’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest, and tests have shown that he suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, an injury which is set to sideline him for a minimum of seven months.
It comes as a bitter blow to the Gunners, who had shelled out £40m for his services in July and will now be without him, and all attention has now turned to a potential replacement.
Speaking on Timber, Arteta: “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”.
Pressed further, the Arsenal boss admitted that a deal could happen to find a replacement, but only if the right opportunity arose. “We have to assess now — as we are always open to reacting if something happens”, he explained before adding “This is not only with injuries but the market as well. That’s why we sign Raya, we need two top players per position”.
Quizzed on further business, Arteta simply added “We are open in the transfer window both ways because we still have things to do. Both ways, maybe.”
However, there could be a late surprise on the incomings front.
