As he did this time last year, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber looks poised for an incredibly exciting season ahead working alongside Mikel Arteta.

Timber's first season in north London was ruined by a knee injury picked up on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest.

The Dutchman was intended to be key in Arteta's defensive plans, someone equally adept across all four positions at the back.

Interestingly, Arteta decided to start Timber as a left-back that day, with Ben White pushing inside into central defence.

Of course, once Timber fell to the injury, Arteta quickly returned to a more familiar look, and Gabriel Magalhaes was brought back in from the cold - a situation that remains unexplained to this day.

And ahead of facing Bournemouth this week in Arsenal's first official pre-season friendly, Timber actually shared a conversation he recently had with White.

Jurrien Timber believes his versatility can be key for Mikel Arteta Speaking via football.london, Timber spoke about the versatility explained and admitted he was pleased that he could offer Arteta several options.

He said: I have played everywhere in the back to be fair.

"Last pre-season I started a lot as a left-back and I enjoyed it as well so I am happy to play.

"I spoke about it with Ben White as well. I think it's good to be versatile just to play more positions.

"You're also able to get more minutes then I think and the coach can put you in more places, I think it's nice for him as well. And I'm just hoping to play anywhere."

Of course, given Riccardo Calafiori is close to joining Arsenal, many envision that the Italian will become the club's starting left-back.

However, in that regard Timber's position in the squad is probably being understated.

And perhaps Arteta will eventually be prepared to rotate Gabriel in and out of the starting eleven, rather than the Dutchman.

All that being said, along with Timber, Arsenal fans will be excited to see further chances handed in the direction of Emile Smith Rowe in the US.

And it has now been made clear how Arteta really feels about Smith Rowe leaving Arsenal this summer.