Having narrowly missed out in our largely unexpected title challenge last season, work is well underway at Arsenal to strengthen manager Mikel Arteta’s first team squad even further in the hope that we can again be credible challengers to Pep Guardiola’s expensively assembled Manchester City side.
With it being reported that we have now had two massive bids rejected by West Ham United for England midfielder Declan Rice, it is now being claimed that we also have other plans in place, and have now also submitted an offer for highly rated Ajax and Netherlands defender, Jurrien Timber.
22 year old Timber has been linked with quite a few Premier League clubs this summer, and typically Manchester United figure given the Erik ten Hag connection, but there has also been speculation referencing Bayern Munich as being interested, so this deal may not come to a quick conclusion.
It is being reported that we have now tabled a firm £30 million offer for the 22 year old though, so if Arteta is interested, then we should be in pole position and that may help. It is claimed that Ajax are open to doing a deal, but with two years remaining on his existing contract, it is believed they are looking for in excess of £30 million to get a deal over the line – however, personal terms are unlikely to be an issue – and Arsenal are said to be confident of completing the deal quickly despite the mention of his other suitors.
The player made 47 appearances for Ajax last term across all competitions and as well as being capped by his country 15 times so far, he is also a two time Eredivisie title winner (2021 + 2022) and fans may well remember him from the 2022 World Cup where he played four times as the Dutch reached the quarter final stage.
He has spent his entire career so far with Ajax as he initially progressed through their famed youth ranks before making a first team impression, but despite his age he has already racked up just over 200 appearances for the Dutch giants, and should he arrive at Arsenal, then he comes in with a good dose of Champions League and Europa League experience.
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