Arsenal lead Aymeric Laporte transfer amid Jurrien Timber injury and Kieran Tierney exit talks

Arsenal are considered the favourites to sign Manchester City’ defender Aymeric Laporte.

The Gunners were dealt an early injury blow in their opening win over Nottingham Forest as Jurrien Timber was forced off after 50 minutes. The club have since confirmed they are awaiting further scans to discover the extent of his knee injury.

Timber's injury coupled with reports suggesting Kieran Tierney is the next player who could leave the club, have increased the chances of Arsenal making a move for the City defender.

Following Timber’s setback, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal 'appreciate’ Laporte. It is said that the club are set to discuss a possible move for Laporte, though it is claimed that Manchester City would be reluctant to sell another player to the Gunners.

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The situation has resulted in the odds of Arsenal snapping up the Spain international being slashed to 2/1, having been as high as 25/1 earlier this summer. That’s according to BetVictor, who view interest from Saudi Arabia (4/1) as one of the main obstacles to Laporte arriving at the Emirates Stadium.

Given the wealth of options at Manchester City’s disposal, Laporte had previously been odds-on to return to boyhood club Athletic Bilbao, but that is now also valued at 4/1. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are listed as another possible destination at 8/1, following Tyrone Mings’ injury, alongside Real Madrid (8/1), Tottenham (10/1), and West Ham (12/1).

Laporte has previously worked with Mikel Arteta during the Arsenal boss’ time as part of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff. Discussing his relationship with Arteta back in 2020, Laporte said: «Mikel is a great