Transfer: He’s very quick – Rio Ferdinand names player to take Gabriel’s place in Arsenal squad next season

Former England international, Rio Ferdinand has opined that incoming Arsenal signing Jurrien Timber would most likely replace Gabriel Magalhaes in the Gunners’ XL

Many supporters of the north London club believe that it was a late injury for William Saliba that cost Arsenal the Premier League title.

Manchester City came from behind last season to claim the title despite the Gunners sitting top for the majority of the campaign.

Ferdinand thinks that Timber, a Dutch international, 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.

“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.

“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.”