Arteta Urged to Drop Arsenal Star Amid Calls for ‘Best in the League’ Replacement
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing mounting pressure from pundits and sections of the fanbase to make a bold selection decision ahead of the new Premier League season. The calls focus on dropping one of the club’s key starters in favor of a teammate now being touted as among the “best in the league” in his position.
The debate centers around Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal’s starting left-back for much of last season. Despite his technical quality and contribution to Arteta’s possession-heavy style, Zinchenko’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed during key moments—particularly in games against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. Critics argue his lapses cost Arsenal points in crucial matches that ultimately derailed their title charge.
Former players and analysts have increasingly backed the idea of replacing Zinchenko with Jakub Kiwior or Jurrien Timber, depending on fitness. Timber, in particular, has been described by some within Arsenal circles as potentially “the best inverted full-back in the league” due to his composure, athleticism, and two-footed passing ability. Though sidelined for most of last season with an ACL injury, the Dutch defender impressed during preseason and is reportedly close to full match fitness.
“Timber gives Arsenal a perfect blend of technical security and physical strength,” said one pundit on a popular Arsenal podcast. “He’s a modern full-back who can tuck into midfield, defend one-on-one, and play both sides. He has to start.”
Arteta, known for his loyalty to certain players like Zinchenko, now finds himself at a crossroads. With Arsenal desperate to go one step further and win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004, small margins will matter—and defensive reliability could be key.
The calls for change aren’t purely about defense either. Timber’s ability to stretch play on the right and drift inside also gives Arsenal greater tactical flexibility, which Arteta values. In matches where the Gunners need more control or a more direct threat down the flank, Timber’s presence could be game-changing.
That said, dropping Zinchenko is no easy decision. The Ukrainian international is not only a leader in the dressing room but also a tactically intelligent player who has helped evolve Arsenal’s style. His chemistry with Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli in the build-up phase is something no other player has replicated consistently.
Ultimately, Arteta may choose to rotate rather than drop, using Zinchenko in games where Arsenal expect to dominate possession and Timber or Kiwior in more balanced or defensive fixtures.
Still, with expectations higher than ever, the Arsenal boss will need to make tough decisions. If Timber lives up to the hype and remains fit, Zinchenko’s starting spot could be under real threat.