Arsenal Pursues Ajax Defender Jurrien Timber to Bolster Defensive Line in EPL
According to The Athletic, Arsenal has set its sights on Jurrien Timber, the talented Dutch footballer from Ajax, as their primary target to strengthen their defense for the upcoming season.
In their pursuit of Timber, Arsenal has submitted a £30 million offer for the versatile defender. However, Ajax has indicated that they are seeking a higher fee of £50 million for his services.
The 22-year-old Netherlands international is reportedly eager to make the move to Arsenal. Nevertheless, the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement regarding his valuation, as Ajax insists on a sum exceeding £30 million.
RB Leipzig’s Mo Simakan is another player on Arsenal’s radar as manager Mikel Arteta aims to reinforce the team’s backline, which struggled during William Saliba’s absence in April. Arsenal conceded 11 goals in four matches against Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, and Manchester City, resulting in their slip in the title race.
Simakan, aged 23, who is part of the France Under-21 squad at the ongoing Euros, possesses the ability to play both as a center-back and a right-back. Timber, on the other hand, specializes as a central defender, although he has occasionally featured as a right-back this season.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Ajax will continue as they seek to secure the services of Jurrien Timber. Manchester United, along with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, had also expressed interest in signing the talented defender.
In addition to Timber, Arsenal is actively pursuing midfielders Declan Rice and Roméo Lavia. Last week, Arsenal had an £80 million offer for Rice rejected by West Ham. They are determined to secure Rice swiftly, while Manchester City monitors the situation, awaiting a decision from Ilkay Gündogan on whether he will extend his contract.
Regarding Lavia, Arsenal is engaged in talks with Southampton and the player’s representatives. Although Manchester United has shown interest, their priority lies in acquiring Mason Mount from Chelsea, with Chelsea keeping an eye on Lavia’s situation. If Lavia remains at Southampton, his previous club Manchester City would be entitled to a percentage of any transfer fee, and they possess a £40 million buyback clause for next summer.
During the previous season, Timber made 47 appearances for Ajax across all competitions, featuring in all six of their Champions League group stage matches. His contributions played a vital role in Ajax’s triumphs, securing the Eredivisie title in both 2021 and 2022.
With 15 international caps for the Netherlands, Timber represented his country in four matches during the 2022 World Cup, aiding the Dutch national team in reaching the quarterfinals.
