Arsenal's pursuit of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber could trigger a host of departures at the club if a transfer is completed this summer.
As things currently stand, the Gunners' options across the backline consist of Kieran Tierney, Benjamin White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko while Thomas Partey operated at right-back toward the end of the season just gone.
But when factoring in the returns of Cedric Soares, Nuno Tavares and Auston Trusty following loan spells, the north London outfit are running the risk of having far too many cooks in the kitchen with regard to the defensive department and therefore exits are almost certain before deadline day.
Now, as reported by football.london, Trusty is expected to depart on a permanent transfer this summer despite an impressive campaign with Birmingham City. Tierney has been linked with a move to Newcastle United or Aston Villa and there's Tavares, whose preference is said to remain in England were he to leave Arsenal.
Having said that, there are at least four other senior players at the Emirates Stadium that may need to consider their future as game time is likely to be limited next season if Timber - who can play in multiple positions across the back-line - is signed. Below are those who would be put on notice.
Rob Holding - The writing has been on the wall for Rob Holding after losing his place in the Arsenal line-up - having initially replaced William Saliba - towards the end of last season as Mikel Arteta trialled Kiwior as the right-sided centre-back before restoring the White-Gabriel partnership for the final two games.
One can only imagine that Holding will fall even further down the pecking order if Timber signs and given his age would he really accept continuing as the fourth or maybe fifth-choice centre-back? A big decision may await one of the club's longest-serving players in the coming months.
READ MORE: Arsenal told to increase Jurrien Timber bid as Edu Gaspar targets Man United revenge transfer
Cedric Soares - Loaned out to Fulham during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign as he found opportunities few and far between. Although, a couple of fitness issues didn't help his cause. Interestingly, as reported by football.london, Cedric is keen to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place despite having just over a year left to run on his contract.
Already behind White and Tomiyasu in the right-back pecking order, Timber's potential arrival would push the experienced Portuguese defender even further down so an exit would be the best solution for all parties involved as the 31-year-old will feel he has something to offer.
Takehiro Tomiyasu - The Japan international has endured a torrid 12-18 months as numerous injury setbacks have halted his progression. When fit and available for selection, Tomiyasu can play in any position across the back-line but if his fitness issues continue then he could find himself behind Timber.
Kieran Tierney - An interesting one, as on the face of things Timber's arrival shouldn't directly affect the Scotland international. But if the Dutchman is signed to be an option at right-back and central defence then it could mean Tomiyasu permanently switches over to left-back and is Zinchenko's understudy.
Arteta has previously experimented with this idea, games against Liverpool, Leeds United and Sporting CP immediately spring to mind, so a role change for the 24-year-old wouldn't be too much of a surprise. Having said that, it could mean Tierney is deemed surplus to requirements in north London.
Who should Arsenal keep or sell this summer? Have your say below!
