Arsenal’s Pursuit of Joao Cancelo Continues Despite Deal for Jurrien Timber
Arsenal Football Club is reportedly still interested in signing Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, despite closing in on a deal for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. The Gunners have been linked with Cancelo since last month, as they look to strengthen their right-back position. While Ben White performed well in the role last season, he is primarily a centre-back, as is backup Takehiro Tomiyasu. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a more orthodox, attacking option for the right-back position.
The club has already agreed on a £40 million deal with Ajax for 22-year-old Timber, who can also play at right-back. However, German newspaper Kicker claims that Arsenal is still interested in signing a natural right-sided defender and is maintaining their interest in Cancelo, who was loaned to Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.
City is believed to be demanding a significant fee for Cancelo, with reports suggesting they will ask for more than £50 million. Bayern had the option to buy Cancelo for £62 million but chose not to exercise it. Barcelona has also emerged as a potential destination for the Portuguese star, although they would only be able to afford a loan deal.
In addition to Cancelo, Arsenal is also reportedly interested in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs. The 26-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, had a strong campaign in the Bundesliga and can play on both flanks, similar to Cancelo.
It is speculated that Arsenal’s decision on which right-back to pursue could be influenced by the players they manage to offload in the coming weeks. If Rob Holding is sold, Timber would be the only right-sided centre-back cover. Additionally, if Kieran Tierney were to leave, Arsenal would be left with limited options at left-back, which could be problematic considering Oleksandr Zinchenko’s injury issues last season.
Signing Cancelo, Henrichs, or Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey, who Arsenal is also linked with, would not only provide a more attacking option at right-back but also cover at left-back. This would complete Arteta’s squad and address any potential gaps in the defensive lineup.
In conclusion, Arsenal’s pursuit of a right-back continues despite their imminent deal for Jurrien Timber. The Gunners are still interested in signing Joao Cancelo from Manchester City and are also considering Benjamin Henrichs from RB Leipzig. The final decision may depend on the players Arsenal manages to offload in the coming weeks. Signing Cancelo, Henrichs, or Boey would provide an attacking option at right-back and cover at left-back, completing Mikel Arteta’s squad for the upcoming season.