Arsenal and Ajax have struck a deal to sign Jurrien Timber. The Gunners have agreed to pay an initial cost of €40 million (£34 million) plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in likely attainable add-ons. The 22-year-old defender has been given clearance to have his physical and conclude his personal terms.
Last month, Arsenal made a £30 million approach for Timber, which Ajax turned down. The Dutch giants were looking for greater compensation for a player with two years left on his contract.
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Timber appeared 34 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, scoring twice and assisting twice in a poor season for Ajax. The centre-back, who can also play right-back, has represented the Netherlands 15 times.
The Timbers’ announcement came only hours after Mikel Arteta’s men agreed to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice. On Tuesday evening, an agreement on the framework of the £105 million contract was reached.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta intends to strengthen his defense in order to mount a stronger title challenge next season. A player who fits the desired profile is Timber, an Ajax academy graduate who can operate effectively as both a right-back and a center-back.
Arsenal was particularly drawn to his seamless ability to carry the ball into the opponent’s half. In the Eredivisie last season, Timber had the highest average number of touches per game (90.5) among all players. It showcases his impressive and intricate passing range.
Notably, 59% of his touches in the league occurred in the middle third, highlighting his technicality and dribbling prowess, which would be valuable assets for Arsenal.
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