Arsenal ‘return’ for Barcelona target after Timber injury; Arteta identifies two Championship alternatives

Football365

·15 August 2023

Arsenal ‘return’ for Barcelona target after Timber injury; Arteta identifies two Championship alternatives

Ivan Fresneda has been linked with Arsenal again this summer.

Arsenal are revisiting their interest in Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda after Jurrien Timber picked up a serious injury, according to reports.

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Timber suffered a knee injury in their 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday with the Netherlands international set to visit a specialist to determine the extent of the damage.

There are rumours that he could be out for months with Arsenal now reportedly set to dip back into the transfer market for cover.

Fresneda is someone who has been on Mikel Arteta and Edu’s radar for a while now with the 18-year-old impressing in La Liga for Real Valladolid.

Speaking at the end of July, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Fresneda was no longer being linked to Arsenal after deciding on a move for Timber.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Ivan Fresneda remains likely to move this summer, even if Arsenal are no longer being linked with him as they always considered Jurrien Timber a versatile, smart option for that position, the best on the market, according to Gunners board.

“Fresneda could have other options, but links with Bournemouth have not been confirmed. AC Milan had his name on their list but they decided to focus on different deals, while Barcelona also met his agents but are now working on other options (I’d always include Joao Cancelo on their list).”

But now Arsenal could renew their interest in the youngster with Spanish website Fichajes claiming that the Gunnners’ search ‘for a replacement’ has led them to Fresneda’s door.

The Premier League side see him as an ‘attractive option’ and Arteta has ‘given the approval of the operation’ but Arsenal could face ‘intense’ competition for his signature.

Arsenal now join Barcelona as one of the ‘two main favourites’ for the Spaniard and the Gunners are ‘preparing a final offensive by launching a offer close to €15m’.

And the Daily Express have brought news of other alternatives as Arteta and Edu search for defenders to cover Timber’s expected absence.

Championship defenders Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters and Leicester City’s Timothy Castagne are both on Arsenal’s radar.

The Daily Express reveals:

‘Should Arsenal struggle to find a solution within the market, there is a chance they could turn to a cost-effective alternative such as Timothy Castagne or Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters – both of whom are already established Premier League full-backs. ‘The relegated duo have previously been tracked by Arsenal’s scouts and could be available for a cut-price as they target an immediate return to the top-flight.’