In the latest development of the summer transfer window, Arsenal has reportedly made a second official bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. The Gunners’ initial proposal of £30 million was unsuccessful, but they remain determined to secure the services of the talented Dutchman, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.
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Although Manchester United had previously pursued Timber’s signature, their focus shifted to another Ajax player last summer. However, with Erik ten Hag now at the helm of the Red Devils, Timber’s name has resurfaced in transfer discussions. The defender was even spotted attending Manchester United’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding his future.
Nevertheless, it appears that Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunners to bring Timber to the Premier League, and the player himself is reportedly eager to join the club at the Emirates Stadium. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reveals that Arsenal has now submitted their second official offer, edging closer to reaching an agreement with Ajax.
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Romano reports that Arsenal’s improved bid falls within the range of €45 million (£38.5 million) to €48 million (£41 million), indicating growing confidence that a deal will be finalized in the near future. It is believed that Arsenal had already reached a verbal agreement with Ajax over Timber’s transfer, and personal terms have reportedly been agreed upon, securing a five-year contract for the defender.
Jurrien Timber is said to be captivated by the project being built by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The talented 22-year-old is understood to be attracted to the vision and direction of the club. As part of the deal, Timber is set to receive an annual salary of €8 million (£6.8 million) at Arsenal, twice the amount he currently earns with Ajax.
Having spent the last nine years at Ajax since leaving Feyenoord’s academy in 2014, Timber has established himself as a valuable asset for the Amsterdam giants. With six goals and four assists from 121 appearances for the club, he has contributed to their success in securing two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Beker crown. His performances have earned him accolades, including being named the Eredivisie’s Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season.
As a versatile defender capable of playing both as a right-back and in central positions, Timber showcased his abilities in the 2022-23 season, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where he started in all six of Ajax’s matches. With two goals and two assists to his name during the campaign, Timber’s skills have caught the attention of top clubs across Europe.
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While Arsenal’s priority in the transfer market lies in bolstering their midfield, defensive reinforcements are also on Mikel Arteta’s agenda. The potential arrival of Jurrien Timber would provide valuable competition in the right-back position alongside the injury-prone Takehiro Tomiyasu. Furthermore, the experienced Cedric Soares is determined to fight for his place at Arsenal, but his contract runs until 2024, and Timber’s arrival could push him further down the pecking order.
Should the deal with Ajax be finalized, Jurrien Timber would become Arsenal’s second signing of the summer transfer window, following the anticipated confirmation of Kai Havertz’s £65 million move from Chelsea.
What Is the Market Value of Jurrien Timber?
As negotiations between Arsenal and Ajax continue, the market value of Jurrien Timber is subject to speculation and assessment by the clubs involved. With the second bid from Arsenal falling between €45 million (£38.5 million) and €48 million (£41 million), it suggests that Ajax values the defender within that range.
