Arsenal have finalised the signing of Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax in a deal worth £34m.
The transfer fee has the potential to rise to £38.5m, and the 22-year-old has committed to a long-term contract with the club.
The acquisition of Timber further strengthens Arsenal’s defensive options, coming after the recent contract extension of centre-back William Saliba.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his enthusiasm about the new addition to the squad, saying, “We’re really excited Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender. Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”
Mikel Arteta meeting Jurrien Timber & his family for the first time. ❤️
Timber: “Finally!”
Arteta: “Finally, eh!”#afc pic.twitter.com/eecBhzVBXC
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 14, 2023
Timber can operate both in the centre of defence and at right-back. His impressive performances caught the attention of several clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich. However, Arsenal successfully secured his signature.
With 15 caps for the Netherlands national team, including participation in the Qatar World Cup where he helped his side reach the quarter-finals, Timber brings valuable international experience to the Gunners.
His signing bolsters an Arsenal team that finished as runners-up to Manchester City in a closely contested Premier League title race last season and qualified for the UEFA Champions League after a six-year absence.
