Ajax Centre-back Jurrien Timber Set To Join Arsenal

Jurrien Timber has completed his medical to join Arsenal ahead of the 2023-24 season. Timber is Arsenal’s second signing in this transfer window after Kai Havertz. The North London club are also taking huge strides in securing Declan Rice’s signature as well.

Jurrien Timer was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last season but the move fell through. United decided to bring in Lisandro Martinez as alternative and it looks like Arsenal have managed to snap up the former United target in this window. Timber is just 22 years old and has been a very crucial part of Ajax’s squad after three years of graduating from the famed Ajax Academy.

Jurrien Timber in action for Ajax, Arsenal, Jurrien Timber — Image Obtained Via The Mirror

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal agreed to a €40m plus €5m add-ons fee with Ajax for Jurrien Timber. The journalist also confirmed that Timber has successfully completed his medical tests. The Netherlands International has signed a contract till June 2028. He had his sights set on joining Arsenal as ever initial interest was reported and is said to be extremely excited by their project.

Many might think that Jurrien Timber would just be a good squad player at Arsenal right now. However, there is a possibility that Timber can even hop directly into the starting lineup at the Emirates Stadium. He has attributes that match exactly what manager Mikel Arteta would like in his project. Moreover, the Spaniard will also have an extra option when facing fixture congestion.

Timber Joins @Arsenal 🤝 pic.twitter.com/g69K4CQvSg

— BC🇬🇧 (@Bc_1874) July 9, 2023

Mikel Arteta had to start three centre-backs regularly last season which reduced the options of rotation in the squad. Ben White is a well-established and quality centre-back but he played mostly as a right-back throughout the last campaign.

Signing Timber will bring freshness into the squad even late into the season, something that Arsenal have realized they need as they fell short of Champions Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

How Can Jurrien Timber Help Arsenal?

Despite being only 22 years old, Timber has made over 100 appearances for his boyhood club. He also has 15 caps while playing for the Netherlands. The scouts of Europe have witnessed enough of Jurrien Timber to know that he is not someone who has just broken onto the scene. He has been playing consistently for the last couple of seasons and there have been multiple clubs tracking his progress. However, some might still be reluctant about his maturity given his age.

Jurrien Timber playing for Ajax, Arsenal, Jurrien Timber — Image Obtained Via 90min

Jurrien Timber is extremely calm and composed on the ball for a centre-back. He completed the most number of short passes in the Eredivisie last season. This suits perfectly the possession-based football Mikel Arteta has in his plans. His composure is one of the reasons why he could slot into the starting lineup straightaway.

However, similar to Lisandro Martinez, Timber does not have a great stature. Although Martinez has silenced his critics with his performances in the Premier League, it remains to be seen whether Timber can do the same thing too with his performances. The Premier League is a very physical league and Timber may find it difficult to impose his authority on strong and fast centre-forwards.

In a dominant Ajax side, he made the most number of appearances last season. Mikel Arteta could rotate William Saliba and Timber depending on the opposition and game.

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Arteta will need the squad depth to go deep in the Champions League this season. The Arsenal board has been doing some excellent work to support Mikel Arteta in the transfer market, especially after their amazing league campaign last season. They will be hoping that all these spending will translate into them lifting a major silverware this season.

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