Arsenal are considering Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters as a potential replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber, according to The Express.
With Timber expected to be sidelined for a number of months, Walker-Peters could be an ideal stopgap solution, with his ability to play in both fullback positions.
However, fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) are split on whether recruiting the former Tottenham defender is a good idea:
good player wouldn’t mind him
โ ekko (@ekkowasinparis) August 14, 2023
Tavares is better man
โ Impeccable ๐ (@Lefront2) August 14, 2023
I will take him, i like the player
โ Osas Omos (@OsasOmos4) August 14, 2023
He’s literally AMN + he played for spurs
โ Lewano (@lewano77) August 14, 2023
We should get this guy ๐
โ BJAY* (@D_creative_one) August 14, 2023
versatile yes…but is he Arsenal Quality?? come on man. wake up!!
โ โณโ.KIะGรEEZ ๐จ๐ต๐๐๐ฏ๐ฒ (@lando_AFC) August 15, 2023
This is a good shout I think heโs a great player
โ Gooner4Life ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ๐ซ๐ฎ (@AFC_Rikki) August 14, 2023
Why are Arsenal considering signing another fullback?
As Timber was signed as an addition to the defence that has not seen any significant departures since last season, you would be forgiven for thinking whether the Gunners actually need a replacement.
However, it is believed that Kieran Tierney could also be offloaded on a permanent basis before the transfer window closes so recruiting someone like Walker-Peters does smake sense.
Walker-Peters is not the only target being looked at
In addition to the England international, it has been suggested that Leicester’s Timothy Castagne could be considered, having been targeted by Arsenal as a cut-price option previously.
Alternatively, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu may head down a different route. They may, for example, target a centre-back instead such as Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte, who can play as a left-back if and when required.
The arrival of the Spanish international would also mitigate any potential departures in the middle of defence.
