In the wake of Jurrien Timber's unfortunate long-term injury, Arsenal is reportedly considering reigniting their interest in RB Leipzig's star defender, Mohamed Simakan. The Gunners, who have already made significant moves in the transfer market this summer, are now faced with the challenge of filling the void left by Timber's anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Timber's acquisition was part of Arsenal's ambitious summer spending spree, which saw them bring in talents like Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and David Raya, pushing their total expenditure to approximately £200 million. Their investment seemed to be paying off, with the team securing a victory against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium. However, the triumph was overshadowed by Timber's injury, which occurred during his Premier League debut. The Dutch international's injury was initially downplayed when he went down in the first half, but the situation deteriorated after he collapsed on the field shortly after the second half began. Subsequent medical evaluations confirmed the worst fears: damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, sidelining him for most, if not all, of the upcoming season.
With Timber's absence posing a significant challenge, Arsenal's gaze has turned to Mohamed Simakan, a versatile 23-year-old French defender currently with RB Leipzig. Simakan, who can adeptly play as a right-back, centre-back, and even in midfield, has been on Arsenal's radar before. The Guardian suggests that if Arsenal decides to pursue Simakan, they might have to shell out around £35 million. This potential move is further complicated by the club's already substantial summer spending.
Simakan's reputation in the football world is noteworthy. He's been described as a "phenomenon" with a promising future ahead. Given the current circumstances, his acquisition could be a strategic move for Arsenal, providing them with not just a temporary fix but a long-term asset. The young RB Leipzig centre-back's skills and potential make him an attractive prospect for any top-tier club.
However, the financial implications of another significant signing might give Arsenal's management pause. Having already committed a hefty sum in the transfer market, the decision to invest further in Simakan will require careful consideration. The club's aspirations to challenge powerhouses like Manchester City for the Premier League title necessitate a strong first team and equally competent backups. In this context, Simakan seems to fit the bill perfectly.
As the summer transfer window inches closer to its conclusion, Arsenal's management will be under pressure to make the right calls. With the shadow of Timber's injury looming large and the need for a robust squad more pressing than ever, the coming days could see some crucial decisions being made at the Emirates.
