Kieran Tierney's situation at Arsenal could be about to completely change following Jurrien Timber's £34.3million move from Ajax.
Mikel Arteta highlighted his defence as an area desperate for improvement after seeing his side fall short in the Premier League title race last season on the back of William Saliba's injury. Timber's arrival, in a way, fills two spots in the Gunner squad, with the Netherlands international capable of playing at centre-back and right-back.
In Timber's first game in his new colours, Arteta's ideology was evident from the off. Taking up a position at right-back, Timber took up an inverted role, similar to what we saw from Manchester City and John Stones last season.
The Gunners have already utilised the versatility of their squad with Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukraine international was used more as a central midfielder last term, drifting infield when in possession to allow Granit Xhaka more license to roam in more advanced area.s
However, Zinchenko was the victim of heavy criticism at the back end of the season for his defensive capabilities and Arteta may have the ultimate answer. Timber's ability to play the inverted role on the right means a more orthodox full-back on the left will be required.
That's where Tierney will be needed. The 25-year-old has proved in the past of his ability to play at centre-back, meaning he would be able to form a back three with the two centre-backs when Timber moves into midfield.
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Arsenal may face issues convincing Tierney to stay at the club having had his minutes limited last season. He made only six starts in the Premier League last term, resulting in reports linking him with a move to Newcastle and Celtic.
The 26-year-old made 170 appearances for the Hoops, winning four Scottish Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups. Last year, the left-back hinted that he would be open for a return to Celtic Park.
Speaking to the Currie Club Podcast, he said: "I think when a player who loves the club leaves there's always that, 'what if he comes back' and you can't rule anything out. I'm always going to love Celtic.
"I'm always going to support Celtic so you never know in football, you genuinely don't. There was a stage I thought I would never leave Celtic.
"You never know what can happen like anything. You need to take it game by game."
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