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Jurrien Timber's brother speaks out on Arsenal transfer after '£30m bid' for Ajax ace
Arsenal have reportedly seen a bid rejected for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
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Arsenal are reportedly pushing to strike a deal with Ajax for versatile defender Jurrien Timber, and the Dutchman’s brother has spoken out about the possibility of him moving this summer. All parties are confident that a deal will be reached, though it remains to be seen whether the Gunners are willing to match Ajax's £50million valuation.
A lack of defensive depth proved costly for Arsenal last season, with an injury to William Saliba one of the main reasons Mikel Arteta’s side struggled late in the campaign as Manchester City capitalised to win the league.
The Gunners are looking to acquire at least one defender that can play anywhere across the backline so that Arteta is able to be flexible with his defensive set-up. Netherlands international Timber fills that role with his ability to play as a right-back and a centre-back which would allow him to swap positions with Ben White with ease.
A bid in the region of £30m is said to have been lodged for the Ajax star, and his brother Quinten confirmed to NOS that there is definite interest from Arsenal in his sibling. He however stayed coy on the offer, saying: “I don’t know if there was an offer.”
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Timber is said to be keen to join the Gunners and a contract has almost been agreed on, with Ajax and Arsenal both keen to strike a deal for his services. Asked if his brother will play in the Eredivisie next season, Quinten replied: “I don’t know. [I know] At least he’s not in London right now.”
Ajax are said to be hoping for £50m for Timber, though Arsenal’s offer of £30m indicates that there is plenty of negotiating to do before a deal is reached. Other clubs lurking around the player could prompt talks to be accelerated.
Manchester United previously pushed to sign the 22-year-old last summer but Erik ten Hag was unable to convince the defender to reunite with him at Old Trafford. It is unclear whether the Red Devils will look to reignite their interest once again given that Lisandro Martinez was acquired as an alternative and reinforcements in other departments are the priority now.
However, Arsenal are well aware of that risk – with Bayern Munich also keen on Timber but unlikely to be able to convince the defender to head to the Bundesliga.
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners are forced to cough up the £50m required for their defensive target or if they are able to strike a deal at a lesser price, saving funds to be invested into their midfield rebuild.