Arsenal Transfers: Gunners working on deal for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber

Oh, how sweet are these Orny bombas?

The Athletic’s David Ornstein exclusively revealed on Monday night that Arsenal are working on a deal to sign versatile Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

While the Gunners’ defence emerged as a strength during the first half of 2022/23, there were signs of decline before William Saliba picked up a lower back injury in March which ruled him out for the rest of the season. Arsenal’s backline then stuttered down the stretch as Rob Holding and Jakub Kiwior deputised for the Frenchman alongside Gabriel.

Finding superior options to Mikel Arteta’s favoured back four from last season is not on the club’s agenda this summer, but superior depth is necessary and Ajax’s Timber, a defender similar to White in that he can play as both a right- and centre-back, is an excellent option.

Gunners working on deal for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber

According to Ornstein, Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old Dutch international and have sent an opening proposal to Ajax which is believed to be worth £30m. The Amsterdamers are reportedly holding out for close to £50m, but there’s confidence a compromise can be reached.

Timber has risen through the ranks at Ajax and developed into a key member of the side since the final year of Erik ten Hag’s reign. The current United boss was intent on bringing the defender to Manchester last summer, but a deal never materialised. Timber was then spotted at the all-Manchester FA Cup final earlier this month, fuelling speculation that he could be on his way to Old Trafford after all.

"“I think a player of his quality can play in the Premier League” – Louis van Gaal on Timber in June 2022."

But it now looks as if his Premier League destination is, in fact, north London. A deal with the Gunners is seemingly close, and Timber’s quality on the ball combined with his positional flexibility would render him a wonderful addition to the Gunners’ backline.

After a quiet few days on the transfer front, Arsenal have hit back in a big way. Let Edu & Co work in silence.