3 reasons why Arsenal are making a move for Jurrien Timber

Sure, Fabrizio Romano has revolutionised the game, but Orny’s bombas still hit like crack. 

It’s been a busy period for Arsenal on the transfer front since the summer transfer window officially opened for business, with the Gunners linked with several midfield stars and Kai Havertz, whose future, if he was to join the club, could lie in midfield.

Then, out of nowhere, the Ornstein struck. On Monday night, The Athletic reporter exclusively revealed the club’s interest in Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. He noted that an opening offer had been made, but it fell well short of the Dutch club’s valuation.

After retaining his services last summer amid interest from Man Utd, Timber is expected to leave Ajax in this window, although Arsenal hadn’t been touted as a potential destination until Ornstein’s revelation.

3 reasons why Arsenal are making a move for Jurrien Timber

Nevertheless, Timber’s a link that’s got supporters very excited. Here are three reasons why Arsenal are making a move for the 22-year-old.

1. Positional flexibility

Why don’t we hand it over to current United and former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag to explain why Mikel Arteta is so keen on signing the versatile right-back this summer? In 2022, before he took the United job, Ten Hag said: “He [Timber] could even play at left-back or in central midfield.

“He will not immediately be the leader of the Ajax first team, but he dares to speak out immediately and has not been shy in the dressing room. Those are important qualities to get far.”

While the youngster’s leadership will undoubtedly be valued, the key point here is the defender’s positional flexibility. Timber has played in a multitude of roles during his young senior career so far, and we know how much Arteta appreciates such versatility.

The Dutchman primarily operated as a centre-back last season, but he’s also comfortable playing as both a right- and left-back and has started a game as a defensive midfielder. He’s adept anywhere across the back four and very effective when utilised as a right centre-back in a back three when his side has possession.

At Arsenal, Timber could provide cover for Ben White at right-back, William Saliba at right centre-back, and possibly perform Oleksandr Zinchenko’s inverted function – if the 2022/23 possession structure is maintained.

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