Arsenal Launch £30m Offer for Ajax Defender Jurrien Timber
Arsenal have launched a £30m opening offer to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to reports. The Dutch club want £50m to part ways with the 22-year-old, but there is ‘optimism that a compromise can be reached’, report The Athletic.
Background on Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber is a 22-year-old defender who can operate as a centre-back or right-back. He came through the Ajax academy and has 15 international caps for the Netherlands. He has made a total of 121 appearances for Ajax since making his debut and has attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
Competition for Jurrien Timber
Arsenal and United are also locked in a battle to sign Declan Rice from West Ham this summer – with the Gunners thought to be the front-runners to bring him in. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign £50m Southampton star Romeo Lavia.
Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Window
It will be a busy summer transfer window for Arsenal, who are on the verge of bringingin Kai Havertz from Chelsea. Arteta is keen to strengthen his side as his team return to the Champions League following their second-placed Premier League finish in 2022-23. Arsenal looked on course to register their first top-flight trophy in 19 years before a late collapse saw them lose out to champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side ended up completing a treble – winning the Champions League and FA Cup as well as their Premier League triumph – and Arsenal now want to sign Ilkay Gundogan.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to reach an agreement with Ajax over the transfer of Jurrien Timber. With competition from other Premier League clubs, Arsenal may have to increase their offer if they are to secure the services of the Dutch defender. However, with Arteta keen to strengthen his side, it looks like Arsenal are determined to make a statement in the transfer window this summer.