Arsenal may turn to Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters following a potential long-term injury to new signing Jurrien Timber.
That’s according to journalist Ryan Taylor, who has revealed in The Express that the 26-year-old is on Arsenal’s radar as they consider their next steps following the injury to their new signing.
Walker-Peters, who has previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, has made 122 appearances for Southampton and could be available for a cut price following their relegation from the Premier League. A right-footed fullback who is comfortable on both sides, his versatility, and Premier League experience, may make him an appealing option.
Taylor has claimed that if Arsenal struggle to find a suitable replacement for Timber, if they choose to enter the market, then Walker-Peters could be one option they turn to this summer.
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Would Walker-Peters be a good signing?
Timber’s injury is a devastating blow, given just how impressive the Dutchman looked before exiting the pitch against Nottingham Forest, and his ability to play anywhere across the back line made him particularly useful.
Walker-Peters can play on both sides, and is very comfortable on the ball. This can make him especially suited to Arsenal’s inverted left-back role, whilst also being able to play as a more traditional right-back.
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As squad options go, Walker-Peters would provide more suitable cover than Rob Holding, who looks set to depart the club after failing to cover for William Saliba last season, and the defender would arrive with the approval of a former Arsenal hero.
Theo Walcott played with the Englishman at Southampton, and described him as a “good kid” and a “grafter,” which could suggest that he is of the right character to play under Mikel Arteta.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will choose to make another signing in the defensive department, but Walker-Peters could be a very astute acquisition if targeted.