As the Gunners continue to bolster their team in preparation for another run at the Premier League championship, Jurrien Timber, a defender for Ajax and the Netherlands, has officially signed with Arsenal for £40 million.
Timber has signed a five-year contract and is now Mikel Arteta’s second prominent hire of the summer.
Jurrien Timber said – “I’ve always been a fan of Arsenal”
“It was because of my brothers. They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club.
“I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players.”
Arteta added: “We’re really excited that Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality.
“Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it’s like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”
The defender made 44 appearances for Ajax last season at centre back. From that position, Timber scored two goals and created two more.
In a rather disappointing season for Ajax, in which the perennial title contenders finished third, Timber enjoyed a personally successful season. He was in the Eredivisie’s top 1% in a host of statistical categories for centre backs, including progressive passes made and received, and shot creating actions.
Those qualities on the ball are what have attracted the attention of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Last summer, Manchester United flirted with the notion of bringing Timber along to join his former manager, Erik ten Hag, in England, but ultimately opted for team-mate Lisandro Martinez instead.
Arsenal, another contender for Timber’s signature last year, have now returned to complete the deal.
The Evening Standard reports that Ben White will be replaced with Timber, who will predominantly play as a right-back. The seriousness of Arsenal’s project is demonstrated by their willingness to spend so much money to replace an England international who cost Brighton £50 million just two years ago.
Timber’s strength in possession make him an ideal candidate for the inverted full-back role that Arsenal, among many leading European clubs, like to deploy in possession. This also means that Timber’s perceived weaknesses, notably in aerial duels, will be less of a concern.