Aston Lukoye
In a bid to strengthen their defensive lineup, Arsenal has reportedly made an opening offer of £30 million for Ajax’s talented defender Jurrien Timber.
The news comes from reliable sources at The Athletic, who indicate that negotiations between the two clubs are now underway. However, Ajax is said to be holding out for a fee closer to £50 million, as they value the highly sought-after player.
Arsenal target versatility
Jurrien Timber, primarily a centre-back, has proven his versatility by also demonstrating his skills as a right-back. The 20-year-old Dutch talent joined the prestigious Ajax youth academy in 2014 after previously being associated with Feyenoord.
His remarkable progress led to his first-team debut in March 2020, and he has since enjoyed considerable success, helping Ajax secure two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup. Timber’s impressive performances on the pitch earned him the coveted Marco van Basten Award in 2022, a testament to his growing reputation.
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On the international stage, Timber has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, accumulating a total of 29 appearances. Notably, he was an integral part of the under-17 team that clinched the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. In June 2021, Timber marked his senior international debut, kickstarting what promises to be a promising international career.
The young defender’s journey in football began at the Utrecht-based club DVSU, where he started playing at the tender age of four. At the age of six, he moved on to Feyenoord’s esteemed youth system before eventually finding his way to Ajax in 2014. It was with Ajax that Timber signed his first professional contract in 2018, setting the stage for his rise to prominence in the football world.
Arsenal bid
While Arsenal’s initial bid of £30 million falls short of Ajax’s valuation, there is optimism from both sides that a deal can be reached. The Gunners are eager to secure Timber’s services and bolster their defensive options for the upcoming season. As negotiations progress, fans eagerly await further developments in this potential transfer saga.
Should the transfer be successful, Jurrien Timber’s arrival at Arsenal would undoubtedly inject fresh talent and depth into the team’s defensive setup. With his versatility, skill set, and proven track record, Timber could prove to be a valuable asset for the North London club. The coming days will shed light on whether Arsenal can strike a deal closer to Ajax’s desired fee and secure the services of the highly rated Dutch defender.
