Arsenal could reignite their interest in RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan, following Jurrien Timber’s injury.

That’s according to Ed Aarons in The Guardian, who has hinted that the 23-year-old could be of interest to Arsenal, who were linked with him before, but he would cost £35m.

Timber joined from Ajax this summer, and looked highly impressive before picking up an unfortunate knee injury which is set to keep him out for the season.

It remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta will choose to enter the market for a replacement, but if he does, then he could explore a deal for Simakan.

The Frenchman made 37 appearances for Leipzig last season, and is equally capable of playing as both a centre-half as well as a full-back.

Could Simakan be the ideal versatile option?

Given that Timber could rotate across the entire back line, having another versatile option could be ideal if Arteta wants to replace him.

Simakan would be able to cover for Ben White or William Saliba, and given his age, he could be a squad option even when Timber returns.

However, Arsenal may not want to spend £35m on another defender having just bought Timber, and whilst Simakan might be a good addition, another sale from the defensive roster may have to take place within the next year to justify that spend on more depth.

Simakan is strong in the air and on the ball, and has been compared to Manchester United defender Raphael Varane because of his athleticism.

If Simakan does join, then it could mean that Kieran Tierney departs now, with Takehiro Tomiyasu moving to the left side as a backup, and could put Tomiyasu’s future in doubt, given his poor injury record.

If Arteta does decide to spend big on another defender, then Simakan would be a player who could come in and impress immediately like Timber did, but with the squad as it is right now, and Thomas Partey now an option at right-back, he may choose to hold off on further additions.

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