With Jurrien Timber facing a season-ending injury, Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Torino defender Perr Schuurs as a possible reinforcement.

This comes amid the club’s need to bolster the defence, despite the Gunners’ significant investment over the summer to improve their defensive options.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal goes down with an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal goes down with an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
  • Jurrien Timber’s injury leaves Arsenal looking for defensive options, with Perr Schuurs of Torino considered as a replacement.
  • The transfer could be challenging due to Arsenal’s recent heavy spending and the likely high cost for Schuurs.
  • Arsenal’s need to reinforce their defence is urgent, but the financial feasibility of the transfer is yet to be seen.
TURIN, ITALY - AUGUST 21: Perr Schuurs of Torino FC clashes during the Serie A TIM match between Torino FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on August 21, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 21: Perr Schuurs of Torino FC clashes during the Serie A TIM match between Torino FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on August 21, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The unexpected blow of losing Jurrien Timber to an ACL injury has prompted Arsenal to once again search for options in defence.

The injury, sustained in the victory over Nottingham Forest, has disrupted the 22-year-old’s impressive start at the club, leaving manager Mikel Arteta admitting that Timber’s return before the end of the campaign is unlikely.

Timber’s injury has put a spotlight on Arteta’s apparent lack of acceptable options in defensive positions, leading to a reported consideration of Torino’s Perr Schuurs as a potential replacement.

TURIN, ITALY - AUGUST 21: Perr Schuurs of Torino FC is challenged by Eldor Shomurodo of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A TIM match between Torino FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on August 21, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 21: Perr Schuurs of Torino FC is challenged by Eldor Shomurodo of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A TIM match between Torino FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on August 21, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Reports from La Stampa and Torino Granata suggest that Arsenal are mulling over Schuurs to fill the void left by Timber’s absence.

The acquisition of Timber earlier this summer, at a cost of €40m, represented a significant move by the Gunners to strengthen their defence. The young player’s ability to operate both as a centre-back and a right-back was seen as valuable, but the injury has derailed those plans.

Schuurs, a central defender currently with Torino, is viewed as a viable alternative.

While no mention has been made of any formal approach or negotiation over the transfer price, the cost is expected to be steep.

Recent reports have indicated that Tottenham were quoted €35-40m for Schuurs, while Liverpool and West Ham were given similar price tags.

Given Arsenal’s hefty spending during the summer, it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to invest further in this potential transfer without bringing in some cash first.

The club’s need for a quality defender to replace Timber is apparent, but financial constraints might complicate matters.