Arsenal REJECT €25m star despite Timber injury
Tom Hancock
- Updated: 29 Aug 2023 14:16 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal have reportedly opted against signing Denmark defender Victor Nelsson, despite finding themselves short at centre-back due to Jurrien Timber’s knee injury.
Timber looks set to be sidelined until at the least the New Year, having been forced off on his Premier League debut earlier this month.
And, after losing one of their major summer acquisitions, it was expected that the Gunners would bring in another centre-half.
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According to the Express, Arsenal were offered Nelsson by Galatasaray – who has a release clause of €25m (£21m) – but have set their sights on other targets instead.
And with the transfer window slamming shut this Friday (September 1), Mikel Arteta and co. are fast running out of time to bolster their defensive options.
Academy starlet Reuell Walters was mooted as a potential stand-in for Timber, but going with a largely untested 18-year-old would be a considerable risk – not least with the Gunners hoping to have a strong campaign in both the Premier League and Champions League.
MORE: Arsenal transfer given 'HERE WE GO' by Fabrizio Romano
🔴 Understand Arsenal have turned down the chance to sign Galatasaray's Victor Nelsson.
24yo was offered to #AFC during recent transfer talks. Nelsson has a £21m release clause but Gunners looking at alternatives.https://t.co/JBOh4N50WH— Charlie Gordon (@CharlieGordonSJ) August 29, 2023
The story so far
Arsenal have made just three signings so far this summer – but they have been three veritably big ones.
As well as signing Timber from Ajax for £38.6m (€40m), the Gunners also brought in Kai Havertz and Declan Rice from Chelsea and West Ham respectively for a combined £170m (€191.6m).
Last season’s Premier League runners-up have made a steady start to the 2023/24 campaign, beating Manchester City on penalties in the Community Shield then winning their opening two league games against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace – before being held to a 2-2 draw at home by Fulham last time out.
They are back in action this Sunday when they welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium.
