ARSENAL are being forced to change their plans following a serious injury to new signing Jurrien Timber and are now ready to go back in for RB Leipzig star Mohamed Simakan.
The Dutch defender, 22, went down during the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Jurrien Timber could be out for the entire seasonGetty
Mohamed Simakan is being linked with a move to ArsenalAP
It has since been confirmed he has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament which could rule him out for the rest of the SEASON.
And manager Mikel Arteta hinted after the game that they could dip into the transfer market following the devastating news regarding Timber.
He said: “We have to assess now — as we are always open to reacting if something happens.
“This is not only with injuries but the market as well. That’s why we sign Raya, we need two top players per position.”
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, RB Leipzig defender Simakan is on Arsenal‘s list of targets.
It is understood he was the “Plan B” earlier this summer, before the Premier League giants eventually agreed a deal for Timber.
Arsenal are yet to reactivate contract talks to sign the Frenchman, 23, so it remains to be seen whether they will take place.
Simakan, who can play as a centre-back and right-back, has made 79 appearances for Leipzig, contributing four goals and nine assists.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Among their other targets is Manchester City man Joao Cancelo.
The Portuguese full-back, 29, spent the second half of last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
He has now returned to the Etihad but does not appear to be anywhere near Pep Guardiola‘s side.
He was not included in City’s squads for the wins over Burnley and Sevilla.
However, a move to Arsenal would appear unlikely given City are not keen to sell another player to their title rivals – following the transfers of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko 12 months ago.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates
Mikel Arteta is being forced to reassess his options following Timber’s injuryRex