Arsenal can kill two birds with one stone by signing 'next Jurrien Timber'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already made it clear that he's open to the prospect of strengthening his squad in the January transfer window due to the number of injuries the club have battled this season

Pinching a player from the crosshairs of your Premier League title rivals, whilst also strengthening your own squad for both now and the future? Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read represents the perfect buy for Arsenal this winter.

It's important to stress that at this moment in time, there is nothing concrete to suggest the Gunners are preparing a move for the 19-year-old.

However, Gunners scouts have watched Read and while there's recognition within industry circles that the defender looks likely to join Manchester City or Bayern Munich, Arsenal should be considering a shock swoop.

In his homeland of the Netherlands, Read has drawn comparisons to Gunners stalwart Jurrien Timber.

His all-action displays, defensive solidity and motoring runs up the right flank have been a huge asset throughout a difficult campaign for Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie.

Read, like Timber, has become an Eredivisie star relatively quickly and he looks destined to join one of Europe's top clubs in one of the next two transfer windows.

Arsenal are not crying out for full-back cover but given Timber and Ben White can also play at centre-back, it's a signing that would make a lot of sense amid a plethora of injuries.

Plenty of Arsenal's recent transfers have been for the here and now as they look to finally end their gruelling wait for a first Premier League title since 2004.

But it's also equally important they continue building for the future and Read is a profile that ticks so many boxes.

His energy is relentless and his long raking passes and crosses have already brought great joy and excitement to Rotterdam.

While Read is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue, he's expected to be back to full fitness within a matter of weeks.

Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad, should the right opportunity arise having recently claimed: “So the window is there, I mean, we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it: ‘Okay, what do we need?’ And we have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not, that’s a different story.”

The Holland U21 international will not cost a premium, however, it won't be long before he does.

City are said to be lining up a move and given they desperately need a right-back, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them strike for Read next month or in the summer.

But Arsenal should give serious consideration to muscling in on the move because not only does it disrupt City's transfer plans but they would be landing one of the best young full-backs in European football circles.

White's long-term Gunners future is in doubt and there's a sense sporting director Andrea Berta might consider strengthening at right-back this summer, so why not fast-track those plans by signing a teenage gem with huge room for development?