Mikel Arteta has shown his ruthless streak on numerous occasions as Arsenal manager.

And there might be another big call looming with huge competition in what has become the Premier League ’s best defence. Riccardo Calafiori is putting pressure on to become a first choice in Arsenal’s back four.

It might not be on Tuesday night against Paris Saint Germain. Or even against Southampton on Saturday. But there is a battle looming. We may not have seen it coming because Jurrien Timber has done so well at left back that it was hard to see left-footed Calafiori ousting him from the starting line-up. William Saliba and Gabriel have formed a formidable partnership at centre half and, despite the odd error by Gabriel, it would be a huge call to break them up. However, Calafiori is now pushing Ben White hard because the Italy defender can play at left back with Timber moving to the other side.

Timber is outstanding – what a player and what a warrior. And he is versatile. And that might just be Arsenal’s new-look first choice back four in Arteta’s mind: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori.

It would be crazy to relegate White just yet because he has been arguably the best right back in the Premier League for the past couple of seasons. Also, competition can bring out the best in players and White is just as likely to raise his game because of Calafiori’s arrival.

White has also been nursing a knock so that is another factor to take into account. But it is a tribute to good recruitment because the best squads always have good cover, healthy competitions and options.

Timber is more defensive while there may be other occasions where Oleksandr Zinchenko plays in certain games. The Ukraine defender is so good on the ball and offers experience. White has a great relationship with Bukayo Saka which may be important in breaking teams down in certain games.

But with Calafiori, Arsenal now have genuine top quality depth and players putting pressure on others. And no player can play every game. So it is important to be able to change. However, Arteta showed his ruthless side a year ago by dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya and, after a fan backlash at the start, no-one is questioning it now.

We did not really see that one coming when Ramsdale signed a new contract at the end of the previous season and is still a top Premier League keeper. But small margins can make a difference as reported by mirror.co.uk.

And Calafiori is catching the eye in a big way. He is aggressive, strong and as good in defence as he is in attack. Sky put forward some brilliant stats after Calafiori’s rampaging display against Leicester.

He won the most duels in the game, the most aerial duels, had the most set piece XGs and had eight shots which was the third most in the game. He is entertaining, ambitious and is clearly going to be a very good signing.

He cost £42m and has made it very clear he has come to play rather than just be a squad member. Arteta will welcome the competition and it may now become a straight fight between Calafiori and White to be in the first choice Arsenal back four.