Arsenal are close to landing another significant signing in Jurrien Timber. The highly-rated Ajax defender has succumbed to the allure of the Premier League giants, with the young talent unable to resist the “flirtation” from the Gunners.

• Jurrien Timber, the young defender from Ajax, has given in to the lure of Arsenal, with the Gunners nearing a €45m deal for the player.
• Despite initial reluctance, Ajax have now entered the final stages of the transfer, having conceded that Timber’s head was turned by the offer from Arsenal.
• The 22-year-old Dutch international is seen as a significant asset by Mikel Arteta and his team, potentially offering tactical flexibility with his ability to play both in defence and midfield.

Timber’s irresistible attraction to Arsenal

Jurrien Timber could not resist the charm of the North London Club, as the young defender prepares to trade the Amsterdam Arena for the Emirates.

Despite Ajax’s plan to make him one of the “most important pillars” of their squad, Arsenal’s offer was simply too enticing for Timber to turn down.

Ajax, led by director of football and former Arsenal man, Sven Mislintat, originally had no intention of letting Timber leave this summer.

However, the promise of Arsenal dismantled their strategy, persuading Timber that his future lay in the Premier League.

The negotiations between the two sides have reportedly closed on a deal totalling around €45m.

Although this will be a significant boost to Ajax’s finances, it also causes a major upset to their plans under Mislintat’s leadership.

The final stages of Jurrien Timber’s transfer

The Dutch side and Arsenal have now reached a full agreement, with the transfer merely pending a medical examination and the finalisation of personal terms.

David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed this, reporting that the total package could end up costing Arsenal close to £39m, somewhat higher than the initial bid of £30m.

A medical is expected to take place by the end of the week, as reported by Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail.

Following this, the player will join the Arsenal squad in time for their pre-season tour in Germany.

Timber’s potential at Arsenal

Timber is expected to play a vital role in Mikel Arteta’s tactical plans. The manager and technical director Edu believe that Timber can operate as an inverted right-back, a role that was filled by Thomas Partey in the injury absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko last season.

With his significant experience at right-back and excellent ball-playing skills, Timber could be an excellent fit for this position.

The player made 47 appearances for Ajax in the 2022/23 campaign and has represented the Dutch national team 15 times, proving his capability and potential.

As Arsenal embark on their pre-season journey with their new recruits, fans and pundits alike are waiting eagerly to see what Timber’s influence will be on the squad and how this substantial investment will shape the future of the club.

Timber’s signing is expected to bolster Arsenal’s squad just in time for a series of important pre-season fixtures. It’s anticipated that he might make his unofficial debut during the club’s tour of the U.S., potentially adding to the defensive arsenal against teams like Manchester United and Barcelona.