As Arsenal set their eyes on Ajax’s promising defender Jurrien Timber, there is increasing curiosity about the journey that led this two-time Eredivisie winner to the club’s attention.

Arsenal’s £30 million bid for the £50 million-rated player was rebuffed by Ajax, highlighting the high stakes of this transfer chase but the player is said to be very keen on a move after rejecting a transfer to Manchester United last summer. A second Arsenal bid is said to be imminent.

• Arsenal have expressed interest in Ajax’s Jurrien Timber, but their initial £30 million offer was declined.
• Timber’s talents have been nurtured at Ajax since 2014, resulting in him becoming a key player and earning a £50 million rating.
• Despite interest from other big clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, Timber has stressed the importance of playing time and potential for growth in his next move.

The rise of Jurrien Timber

Now a critical part of the Ajax squad, Jurrien Timber’s journey has been anything but ordinary.

From sharing a bedroom with his brother at age 22 to rejecting a move to Manchester United, Timber’s career has been marked by brave choices and impressive achievements.

Jurriën Timber is only focused on a transfer to Arsenal. Even if Bayern Munich would still place an offer for him, a transfer would still remain a big question mark. The lack of playing time his 3 teammates received at Bayern Munich plays a role in this. [@MikeVerweij] pic.twitter.com/dLo2wvpSdb

— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) June 21, 2023

After a shaky debut for Ajax in 2020, Timber quickly managed to overcome his early obstacles.

His contributions to the team are reflected in Ajax’s two Eredivisie titles, a KNVB Cup victory, and his receipt of the league’s Player of the Year award.

Notably, he also bagged the Cruyff Talent of the Year award for young players.

Adapting and shining at Ajax

Since joining Ajax in 2014, Timber has shown remarkable growth under the guidance of notable figures like Erik ten Hag, Edwin van der Sar, and the now-disgraced Marc Overmars.

With more than 160 appearances to his name, Timber has learned from his mistakes and evolved into a defensive jewel in the Ajax squad.

One of Timber’s notable qualities is his versatility. Whether it’s playing in a back four for his club or a back three for his country, Timber has shown the ability to adapt and excel in various positions and formations.

His forward-thinking approach, combined with his rare ball wastage, adds a valuable dimension to his game.

The journey towards Arsenal

Arsenal’s interest in Timber isn’t surprising given his reputation and on-pitch success.

Despite interest from other clubs, Timber’s comments to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf indicate his primary focus on playing time and potential for development – factors which Arsenal can offer.

As Arsenal looks to enhance its defence, Timber could be a perfect fit.

His comfort playing in more advanced areas and tight spaces could add significant value to Arsenal’s current style of play.

The North London club will, however, face competition from Bayern Munich and others in the chase for Timber’s signature.

Jurrien Timber – a promising prospect for Arsenal

Regardless of the outcome of this transfer chase, Timber’s journey from sharing a bedroom with his brother to being a £50 million-rated player is a testament to his talent and perseverance.

If the move to Arsenal does materialise, this would mark a significant milestone in his career and potentially offer an exciting new chapter for Arsenal fans.