According to reports, Arsenal are still interested in Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo despite being close to finalizing a deal for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. The Gunners have been looking to strengthen their right-back position and see Cancelo as a potential option.
Manager Mikel Arteta wants to bring in a more attacking right-back option, even though Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have performed well in the position. They have already agreed on a £40million deal with Ajax for Timber, who can also play as a right-back. However, German newspaper Kicker claims that the Gunners remain interested in Cancelo and may consider signing another natural right-sided defender.
But City are expected to demand a high fee for the Portuguese star, potentially exceeding £50m. Cancelo was on loan at Bayern Munich in the last transfer window, and Barcelona have also shown interest in him. However, Barcelona may only be able to afford a loan deal.
Arsenal’s defensive options asides Cancelo
In addition to Cancelo, Arsenal are also reportedly interested in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs. The 26-year-old German, who still has two years left on his contract, can play on both flanks and had a strong campaign in the Bundesliga under Marco Rose. This suggests that Arsenal’s decision may be influenced by the players they manage to offload in the upcoming weeks.
If Rob Holding is sold, Timber would become the sole backup option for the right-sided center-back position. Furthermore, if Kieran Tierney leaves, Arsenal would be light on options at left-back. Signing Cancelo, Henrichs, or even Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey, who is also linked with Arsenal, would provide more attacking options at right-back and cover at left-back.
This would complete Arteta’s desired squad and provide the finishing touch to their transfer activities. Arsenal is also reportedly scheduling medicals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, indicating that more transfers could be on the horizon.
Arsenal’s strong start to the transfer window
The Gunners are known for dragging deals out but have surprisingly moved rather fast this summer. Deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are expected to be completed this summer while Mikel Arteta is still reportedly looking for more options to bolster his squad.
Arsenal’s participation in the Champions League next season could also be a reason why the Gunners are keen to strengthen in order to challenge on all fronts. The Gunners have been linked with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia while other names in midfield continue to be linked with the north London outfit.
