Arsenal ‘line up transfer raid on Barcelona’ to replace injured Jurrien Timber

Gossip

By Katherine Walsh

26th August 2023, 5:45 pm

Updated: 26th August 2023, 6:03 pm

ARSENAL are reportedly considering a move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia.

Rex

Arsenal’s new signing Timber is set to miss most of the season

Rex

The Gunners are eyeing up Eric Garcia to replace the injured Timber

The Dutch defender sustained an ACL injury on his competitive debut against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners, but the loss of Timber is a massive blow to the rest of their season.

The club confirmed that Timber – who they signed for £34m – will undergo surgery on his right knee.

Arsenal have subsequently re-entered the market to strengthen their defensive options, given the severity of the injury.

And according to Spanish news outlet , they have selected Barcelona’s Garcia as an ideal replacement.

The report states that Mikel Arteta is looking for a central defender who can act as a pivot.

Arteta worked with Garcia during their time together at Manchester City.

He hopes that relationship would make a switch to North London an easy transition for the centre-half.

However the report does state that Barca coach Xavi Hernandez is not willing to part with the defender.

Other left-back option, Kieran Tierney, has interest from Real Sociedad, Celtic and Newcastle.

While Oleksandr Zinchenko is nearing a return to first-team action after a calf problem.

On Timber’s injury, Arteta said: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow.

“We recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident, but he’s not going to be able to do it this season.

“We have to adapt. These things happen, unfortunately, and we have to move on.”

Arsenal also considered a move for Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich.