Jurrien Timber Eager to Make Flying Start at Arsenal
Introduction
Jurrien Timber is eager to hit the ground running at Arsenal and has returned to training with Ajax early to ensure he arrives at the Emirates in the best possible shape. The Gunners have agreed a deal worth €42million (£36m) plus a further €5m (£4m) in add-ons with the Dutch champions, and the move is set to be announced in the coming days.
Early Return to Training
Both clubs have been keen for the transfer to go through in July so it counts as part of the next year from a Financial Fair Play perspective, and Timber is expected in London early next week to complete a medical. The versatile centre-back is clearly itching for the move to be officially rubber-stamped, however, with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reporting that he has already returned to training. Even though the 22-year-old was involved with the Netherlands squad during the recent UEFA Nations League and is not required back yet, he has decided to cut short his holiday to ensure he arrives at Arsenal in the best possible condition. Timber actually did not play against either Croatia or Italy during the summer showpiece, with the latter match – a third-place playoff – taking place just two weeks ago on June 18. Holland boss Ronald Koeman has switched to a back four after succeeding Louis van Gaal and has preferred Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida over Timber in the right centre-back role alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Building Fitness for New Season
Timber’s last outing came against FC Twente in a 3-1 defeat at the end of May and he enjoyed several weeks off prior to linking up with the Dutch national team. According to De Telegraaf’s article, he reported back to Ajax’s De Toekomst training ground on Friday to start building his fitness for the new season ahead and is eager to impress new manager Mikel Arteta. Arsenal’s international players do not have to report back for pre-season training until the week beginning July 10, but Timber wants to get a head-start.
Competition for Starting Spot
Although the north Londoners are paying a sizeable fee to sign the defender, he is aware that he faces a significant battle to establish himself in an Arsenal back-line that fell just short of winning the Premier League title last season. Ben White had an excellent campaign at right-back while William Saliba was one of the stand-out defenders in the country prior to suffering a back injury.
Pre-Season Fixtures
Arsenal start their pre-season fixture list with an away friendly against Nurnberg on Thursday 13 July and Timber will be keen to be involved in that match before the whole squad fly out to the USA for a tour which sees them take on the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
Conclusion
Jurrien Timber is clearly eager to make a flying start at Arsenal and has returned to training with Ajax early in order to ensure he arrives at the Emirates in peak condition. He faces a significant battle for a starting spot, however, with Ben White and William Saliba both having enjoyed excellent campaigns last season. The Gunners begin their pre-season fixture list with an away friendly against Nurnberg on Thursday 13 July and Timber will be keen to be involved in that match.