One of the best parts of the January transfer window is when a transfer comes out of seemingly nowhere, and this was the case of Arsenal bidding for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. David Ornstein exclusively revealed that Arsenal were not only interested in the versatile Dutchman, but they had submitted a bid of around £30 million. Despite Ajax rejecting that bid, it is expected that Arsenal will try again and attempt to sign Timber and bring him to North London.
Looking at Timber’s profile, it’s easy to see why he is a major target for Arteta and Arsenal. He’s still only 22 and his technical quality and ability with the ball at his feet makes him a perfect player for Mikel Arteta’s system. Added to that, the Dutchman’s ability to play as both a centre-back and as a right-back means he can act as a perfect challenger for Ben White’s spot in Arsenal’s starting eleven.
Timber came through the famed academy at the Amsterdam club, making his first team debut on 7th March 2020 in a 3-1 Eredivisie victory over SC Heerenveen and was selected for the senior Netherlands squad for UEFA EUROS 2020. He has won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax however missed out on a trophy all together in the 2022/23 season as Ajax only managed a 3rd placed finish in the league and lost to PSV in the final of the Dutch Cup. Timber has emerged as one of Ajax’s most key players since breaking into the side in 2020, with his form attracting strong interest from Manchester United as Erik Ten Hag attempted to bring his countrymen to Old Trafford, however Timber opted to stay in Amsterdam.
Arsenal sees Timber as the perfect player to add to their defensive depth, with the first bid put in by Arsenal was believed to have been around £30 million, however Ajax are seemingly demanding around £40-45 million for their academy product. Talks between the two clubs are said to be positive, with a fee being agreed not seen as too difficult for Arsenal in the near future.
We’ll have to wait and see if Arsenal get a deal for the Dutch defender over the line, however it can be certain that Timber would be a perfect addition for Mikel Arteta’s squad. He’s young but has experience in the UEFA Champions and Europa league, has superb technical quality allowing him to play an inverted role at right back, and can also cover at centre-back if needed. And for a fee of around £40 million, it seems like a potential no-brainer for Arteta and Arsenal.