Riccardo Calafiori will soon undergo his Arsenal medical, a strong addition to the left side of Arteta’s defence.
And after Calafiori, it seems as if Arsenal are close to completing their third signing of the summer too.
A productive week or so for Edu and his team, who have been relatively quiet since their unsuccessful pursuit of Benjamin Sesko before the Euros.
That being said, Arsenal do have a few players at the club who could perhaps feel like new signings when they’re back involved this season.
Midfielder Fabio Vieira is one, a talent who is still yet to show his best in north London two years after signing.
However, TBR Football recently shared that Arsenal will listen to offers for Vieira, even if he won’t be pushed out of the door.
That being said, Jurrien Timber, who could also feel like a new signing this summer, is definitely not available for sale.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is ‘extremely gifted’
Having returned from his incredibly unfortunate knee injury just before the end of the season, Timber could be crucial for Arteta this season.
The Dutchman looks to be in incredible shape in the United States on Arsenal’s pre-season tour and should feature in all three games against Premier League opposition.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to Jurrien Timber during a training session at Los Angeles Rams Practice Facility on July 22, 2024 in Thousand O...
That being said, Arteta has spoken about length about Timber via Arsenal’s website, explaining he’s been a ‘great addition’ to the team.
Arteta explained: “He is so willing, you can see that in his body language and the way he acts. He has worked so hard, I think he is in a really good place at the moment.
“We are going to have to manage him now in the next few weeks, especially because the load he has been able to do in the last few months compared to the next two weeks is very different, but we are very excited.
“Obviously he had his moments [feeling down last season].
“It is not easy to come to a big club like here and start to set expectations with his performances and then on day one in the Premier League you are out for the season.
“But mentally he is a really tough boy. He has a great environment around him and hopefully that will make him a better player.
“He is a leader. He loves to be on show and a big presence in everything that we do. He is very vocal and extremely gifted technically. He is a great addition to the team.”
Calafiori will have to wait for his chance
Amid all the excitement around Calafiori imminently signing for Arsenal, many believe that the Italian will go straight into Arteta’s eleven.
But in reality, that’s unlikely to be the case.
Timber looks ready to slot in at left-back immediately, as he was seemingly intended to do last season.
And whilst Calafiori will definitely get chances, perhaps with Timber eventually pushing into a number six role, the Italian will need to be patient.
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