Arsenal are expected to place a second bid for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber, after falling short with their opening offer for the defender.

On Monday night, David Ornstein broke the news that Arsenal had made a £30m offer for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

Ornstein added that Ajax are looking for £50m to sell the versatile centre-back, who has two years left on his contract and can also play at right-back or in midfield.

As it stands, there’s optimism a compromise will be reached, with personal terms believed to already be in place.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Ajax won’t accept £30m for Timber, but talks will continue and the 22-year-old is top of Arsenal’s list of defensive reinforcements. The player is also keen on the move.

The Evening Standard write that a fresh bid is expected from Arsenal, after falling short with their opening offer. Again, the suggestion is that the Gunners are optimistic they can reach an agreement.

The Telegraph report that Arsenal are looking to recruit a player who can provide competition as a right-back and as a central defender, so Timber fits the bill.

Arsenal are hoping to secure a deal for less than the £50m Ajax ideally want, but they aren’t the only top European club in the race.

From the Netherlands, Mike Verweij reports for De Telegraaf that Arsenal’s €35m (£30m) bid is not yet close to Ajax’s €60m (£51m) valuation.

Yet Timber’s potential departure is progressing, and Verweij writes that new Ajax boss has resigned himself to a possible exit for the defender.

Sources around Ajax confirm Timber has an agreement on a long-term deal with Arsenal, so it’s up to the clubs to agree.