Former Manchester United man Rio Ferdinand has explained how he thinks Arsenal's defence will line-up following the imminent arrival of Ajax ace Jurrien Timber.
The 22-year-old Netherlands international actually spent the majority of last summer being linked with Ferdinand's old side, but United failed to reach an agreement with the Eredivisie titans as Timber stayed put for one more season. However, he is Premier League-bound 12 months later as the Gunners gear up for his arrival after striking a deal with the Dutch club.
A fee of £34million plus £4m in add-ons appears to have done the trick and Timber's unveiling as an Arsenal player is expected in the coming days. Amid all the excitement surrounding the deal, some sections of the Emirates faithful remain unsure on where the versatile defender will play.
Given he boasts the technical quality to be deployed at both right-back and centre-back, it is unclear which current Arsenal star should be sweating over his place.
However, Ferdinand has given his thoughts on what he thinks the Gunners' defence will look like next term. Speaking about Timber on his ‘Vibe With Five’ YouTube podcast, the ex-England international said: "He’s quick, he can play, he’s good on the ball and he’ll be a good addition to their team.
"I think he’s an improvement on what they’ve got as well. I’d probably look at it and say Timber and William Saliba would play. But I think it’s a good battle there.
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"If Timber comes in and they’ve got Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White and Timber as a four, I’d be very, very comfortable with that if I was Mikel Arteta and think, 'That’s a good four'."
If there is one painful lesson that the Gunners learnt the hard way last term it is that depth is essential for a title tilt, the ability to call upon multiple quality options to ensure there isn't a decline in form will go a long way in their efforts to be crowned champions for the first time since 2004.
Ferdinand has admitted he thinks that is now exactly what Arsenal have got within their ranks.
"I think you need three or four good centre-backs that are all going to interchange and play at different times of the season; to come in and the standard doesn’t drop off," he added. "And I think that’s what they’ll be looking at there with them four. He’ll be a great addition, can play in different positions as well."
Arsenal's imminent deals for Timber and West Ham captain Declan Rice will take their summer spending beyond £200m already when factoring in the £65m switch for Kai Havertz that has already been confirmed.
