EPL: Rio Ferdinand suggests player incoming Arsenal signing will replace in Arteta’s squad

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has suggested that incoming Arsenal signing Jurrien Timber is most likely to replace Gabriel Magalhaes in manager Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal were overhauled for the Premier League title by Manchester City last season, partly due to centre-back William Saliba’s injury during the run-in.

However, Ferdinand believes Timber, who is set to join Arsenal from Ajax, could take Magalhaes’ place and partner Saliba in the centre-back position.

Speaking on his Five YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “Manchester United were in for him [Timber] before they got Lisandro Martinez.

“He is quick, he can play, he is good on the ball and he will be a good addition to their team [Arsenal]. I think he is an improvement on what they have got as well.

“I would probably look at it and say Timber and William Saliba would play [in centre-back ahead of Gabriel].”

“But I think it is a good battle there. If Timber comes in and they’ve got Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White and Timber as a four, I would be very, very comfortable with that if I was Mikel Arteta and think, that is a good four.”