Arsenal look to be stepping up their efforts to add a new defensive recruit before the window shuts.
The injury to Jurrien Timber led many to believe the club could freeze their attempts to sell players like Kieran Tierney, but it seems that will not be the case. Arsenal are still keen to find a new home for Tierney, with interest high.
A source close to the deal has told Fresh Arsenal the Scottish defender is actively being offered to clubs, with three Premier League teams in talks with the Gunners as well as interest from abroad. Newcastle are one of the clubs to be widely linked with talks for Tierney.
Arsenal hope to make a permanent sale of around £30million for Tierney and they are also looking to sell Nuno Tavares, with talks underway with Nottingham Forest. The club will hope to receive a fee of around £10million for the Portuguese international.
Rob Holding is also up for sale with Arsenal willing to listen to offers of around £10million for the English defender. Generating in excess of £30million from defensive sales could help the club secure another new signing in that area of the pitch.
It’s not too clear as to who the club could target, but the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, Marc Guehi and Mohamed Simakan were previously linked to the club before Timber’s arrival.
But Arsenal could be open to market opportunities, like when David Raya became available. Lewis Hall from Chelsea could be another of those, the versatile youngster can play in midfield or as a left-back.
Ultimately it feels like the club needs another defensive body following the injury to Timber, which means he is unlikely to return for much of the season.
The club could also target another attacking addition this month if they are able to generate significant funds from the sale of Folarin Balogun, with the club looking for more than £45million for the young forward. Like Tierney, there is significant interest in the player and the club are hoping to use this to maximise what they can generate.