Arsenal compile four-man shortlist to replace Jurrien Timber including Barcelona star

Arsenal have reportedly prepared a four-man shortlist to replace Jurrien Timber, who is set to be sidelined for a significant period during the season.

On this four-man shortlist, consisting of centrebacks from the top five European leagues, is Barcelona star Eric Garcia, who has been identified as a suitable profile for Mikel Arteta.

The former Manchester City has failed to secure a starting spot under Xavi at the Camp Nou and started just 15 games in Barcelona's La Liga winning season of 2022/23.

Timber is set to be sidelined for the next few months at the very least, suffering an ACL injury which has deflated the positive momentum he had gathered since joining this summer.

Now, the Gunners are looking to plug gaps in the squad created by Timber's injury and a four-man shortlist has been put together, with some impressive names featuring.

Crystal Palace captain and England international Marc Guehi is also one of the players on the short-list of players that the Gunners are looking at.

Guehi has established a reputation as one of the Premier League's most consistent defenders, forming an impressive partnership with Joachim Andersen at Selhurst Park.

Meanwhile, reports from Italian media have suggested that Timber's absence could pave the way for a move for fellow Dutch international Perr Schuurs. The 23-year-old joined Torino last season after spending seven years on the books of Ajax, much like Timber.

Schuurs is a well-rounded right-sided centre-back who is comfortable on the ball and could be a potentially good fit for Arteta's side.

Another left-field name that has been linked with the Gunners is Galatasaray's Danish defender Victor Nelsson, as per Italian journalist Rudy Galetti. The 24-year-old has been a mainstay in Galatasaray's defence for the past two seasons, winning the Turkish Super Lig last season.

With abundant quality still available amongst centre-backs on the market, it is clear that Edu and Arteta will have several options to consider.