Arsenal are growing in confidence about signing Jurrien Timber as they inch closer to finding an agreement with Ajax.
According to 90min, Arsenal are optimistic about signing Jurrien Timber and finding an agreement with Ajax. The versatile defender, valued at €60 million, is a top priority for Mikel Arteta in this window. But the Gunners have not come close to Ajax’s valuations.
Nobody envisaged Arsenal’s interest in Jurrien Timber before David Ornstein broke the news a week or so ago. Mikel Arteta has been looking for a versatile right-sided defender. But there were no indications towards the Ajax star whatsoever.
It showed how Arsenal like to operate in the background with utmost secrecy, something they have done with many deals recently. However, with the news now out in the open, the Gunners have been fortunate enough to continue working without much fuss since.
Fortunately for them, the Declan Rice saga has provided a cover for their operations for other players. After swiftly agreeing on a deal with Chelsea for Kai Havertz, Arsenal will want to sign Timber or Rice next.
On the Timber chase, Arsenal have had their first bid rejected, which reportedly was worth €35 million. Ajax have a desired valuation of €60 million for the versatile defender. But the Gunners are not keen on paying that much for the Dutchman.
They could reach an agreement soon with Timber regarding personal terms. Many credible sources have pointed towards the player’s preference to join them. That became clear when other suitors like Bayern Munich and Manchester United failed to make a bid for the versatile defender.
As things stand, Arsenal are optimistic about signing TImber and hope to find an agreement with Ajax on the fee. The Gunners could find a compromise between €40-50 million, as reporters covering the Eredivisie giants suggest.
Timber would bring some much-needed stability at the back and in a position Arteta has been keen to strengthen. He would ideally want to use him and Ben White in different scenarios, as the Dutchman can use his versatility to invert from a full-back role.
Many experts suggest Timber could play a role reminiscent of Oleksandr Zinchenko from the other flank. The Dutchman could become a useful weapon in ball progression and provide stability to the backline. His potential competition with Ben White could prove beneficial for Arsenal.
