English Football Club, Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Dutch defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
The 22-year-old player has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners. It is reported that Arsenal has paid Ajax an initial fee of £34.2m, with the potential to increase to £38.5m based on performance-related bonuses.
Timber joins Arsenal as their second summer signing after Kai Havertz’s transfer from Chelsea. He is anticipated to be included in Mikel Arteta’s squad for the upcoming pre-season tour in the USA.
“We’re really excited that Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality,” Gunners boss Arteta told arsenal.com.
“Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it’s like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”
Timber joined Ajax in 2014 after starting his career at Feyenoord’s development programme. He played in 121 games for the Amsterdam club, recording six goals and four assists.
Timber, who can play centre defender or inverted right back for the Netherlands national team, was rumoured to be wanted by former coach Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Timber was spotted at Manchester United’s recent FA Cup final loss to Manchester City, sparking rumours that the 2001-born defender could be on his way to Old Trafford. However, Arsenal pounced in and signed the player instead.
“We are very happy to bring Jurrien to Arsenal. He is a player that we have admired for a long time, so it’s a credit to everyone in our team that made this happen,” sporting director Edu added.
“Jurrien is a young talented international player, who fits our vision of competing with a young strong squad. I know Jurrien cannot wait to get started and we’re really hoping that he will be a great success here for many years.”
