Former England player Rio Ferdinand believes that Jurrien Timber, a new acquisition for Arsenal, would likely replace Gabriel Magalhaes in the team’s starting XI.
Many Arsenal fans think William Saliba’s late injury lost their team to the Premier League championship.
Although the Gunners led for most of the season, Manchester City rallied from behind to win the championship the previous year.
Ferdinand believes that Dutch international Timber may replace Magalhaes and team up with Saliba as centre-back.
Ferdinand said on his Five YouTube channel that Manchester United had been interested in Timber before they acquired Lisandro Martinez.
“Timber and William Saliba would start [ahead of Gabriel in the centre of defence].
“But I believe that struggle there is worthwhile. If I were Mikel Arteta, I would feel very comfortable with Timber coming in, and they had Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, and Timber as a four, and I thought it was a terrific four.
“He will be a terrific addition to their squad [Arsenal] because he is fast, can play, and is excellent with the ball. He is an upgrade above what they now have.
“If I had to take a guess, Timber and William Saliba would start [ahead of Gabriel at centre-back].
“But I believe that struggle there is worthwhile. If I were Mikel Arteta, I would be very comfortable with Timber coming in, they had Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, and Timber as a four, and I believe it is a solid four.
