Arsenal Completes £34m Signing of Netherlands Defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax

 Arsenal Completes £34m Signing of Netherlands Defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax
Published 3 months ago on Jul 14, 2023

Arsenal has finalized the signing of Jurrien Timber, the Netherlands defender, from Ajax for a fee of £34m. The 22-year-old's transfer could potentially rise to £38.5m, and he has agreed to a long-term contract with the club.

The addition of Timber further bolsters Arsenal's defensive options following the recent contract extension of centre-back William Saliba. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his enthusiasm about the new signing, stating, "We're really excited Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender." Arteta praised Timber's accomplishments, including his experience in major international tournaments and his trophy-winning performances with Ajax. The Arsenal manager looks forward to integrating Timber into the squad.

Timber, known for his versatility in playing both in central defense and at right-back, had attracted interest from other clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich. He has earned 15 caps for the Netherlands national team and played a crucial role in helping the team reach the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup.

Expressing his admiration for Arsenal, Timber revealed that his love for the club stemmed from his brothers' support. He admired Arsenal's style of play and iconic players like Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry.

With Arsenal finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in a closely contested Premier League title race last season and securing qualification for the Champions League after a six-year absence, Timber's signing strengthens the team's core. The acquisition follows the recent arrival of Germany forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea, with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice also rumored to be close to completing a record-breaking £105m move to Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal has also prioritized contract extensions, securing deals with young talents Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson, while experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka made a move to Bayer Leverkusen for £21.4m.

Having made 47 appearances across all competitions for Ajax last season, including all six Champions League group stage matches, Timber played a crucial role in Ajax's Eredivisie title wins in 2021 and 2022.

Arsenal's sporting director, Edu, expressed his delight in signing Timber, describing him as a young, talented international player who aligns with the club's vision of building a competitive squad. Edu believes Timber will make a significant impact at Arsenal for years to come.

Analysis suggests that Timber's defensive prowess, ability to read the game, and composure on the ball make him an exciting addition to Arsenal's backline. Drawing comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, Timber's calmness in one-on-one situations and astute anticipation of opponents' movements make him stand out. His technical skills and ball control also contribute to his effectiveness in both defensive and attacking phases of play, showcased by his well-timed blocks, sliding tackles, and contributions going forward.

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