Arsenal are reportedly watching Micky van de Ven as a potential defensive option, although Tottenham are close to signing the Dutchman.
A report on Football Transfers insists on Arsenal’s interest in Micky van de Ven. The Dutch centre-back will likely leave Wolfsburg this summer. But Tottenham are inching closer to signing him. The Gunners are keen to finalise a move for Jurrien Timber instead of 22-year-old Bundesliga defender.
After falling short of winning the Premier League title last season, Mikel Arteta envisaged an important summer window. Arsenal have already shown massive ambition in the transfer market as they edge closer to securing their top targets.
On Wednesday, they agreed on a deal with West Ham for Declan Rice worth £105 million, including add-ons. They also managed to announce the capture of Kai Havertz in a £65 million move from Chelsea. Now, the Gunners are closing in on Jurrien Timber from Ajax in a potential move worth more than £40 million.
As much importance the Rice and Havertz deals hold, Arteta felt the need to bring at least one defensive signing in this window. Their faltering form at the tail end of the previous campaign was associated with the absence of William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu, something the manager wanted to address.
Arsenal have only one target as new centre back now and it's Jurrien Timber. €45/48m bid submitted three days ago is being discussed with Ajax. Optimism and confidence remain ⚪️🔴 #AFC
No confirmation on Micky van de Ven; he's not in Arsenal list, he's on Tottenham list. pic.twitter.com/mqCBkEb4YB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2023
Hence, they are edging closer to signing Timber, who can take up multiple positions in that backline. Arteta wanted such a player that brought versatile qualities and immense experience at the top level at a young age. In comparison, Micky van de Ven does not give out those attributes. Yet, there are rumours linking him to a move to the Gunners.
The report insists on Arsenal’s interest in Micky van de Ven. But the crux of the story revolves around the Gunners targetting Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni. Both those links could get the rumour treatment, as there are no chances for the north Londoners to pursue those moves.
As for Micky van de Ven, Tottenham remain heavily linked and is reportedly closing in on the move. Fabrizio Romano clarified the situation with Arsenal’s interest. He insisted they were solely focused on signing Timber as opposed to his Dutch compatriot.
Hence, there are more chances of the Wolfsburg man joining Tottenham than Arsenal. Arteta remains uninterested in a move for the 22-year-old Bundesliga defender and focuses on the Ajax star instead. The Gunners could remain active in this window after signing Timber, as they might go for another midfielder besides Rice.
