‘Here we go!’, the familiar announcement made by journalist Fabrizio Romano a few hours ago again related to Arsenal. In just a few hours, Arsenal completed the terms of two key deals this year: Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.
The Premier League side will pay €40 million (£34.3m) plus €5 million (£4.3m) in largely realistic bonuses for Timber. The 22-year-old has been granted permission to undergo a medical and finalize personal terms with Arsenal.
Arsenal put in a £30 million offer for Timber last month, with Ajax seeking a higher fee for a highly-rated player who has two years left to run on his contract with the Dutch club. Timber made 34 Eredivisie appearances in what was an underwhelming 2022-23 campaign for Ajax, scoring twice and registering two assists.
The center-back, who can also play on the right-hand side of defense, has also played 15 times for the Netherlands.
Arsenal are also closing in on the signing of Declan Rice, having agreed a fee for the England international with West Ham United. Rice has now been given permission to undergo a medical and finalize personal terms ahead of the £105 million move.
Mikel Arteta’s side made their first summer signing last week, with Kai Havertz joining from Chelsea for a fee of up to £65 million.
One of Timber’s best qualities is his composure on the ball. At the World Cup, he played on the right-hand side of a back three with Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake. Timber used his impressive passing range and dribbling ability to help the team progress up the pitch. He is also capable of operating at right-back.
There are not many defenders in the world who possess such an intricate passing range and are so confident carrying the ball. According to data from FBref, Timber averaged 90.5 touches per game last season in the Dutch top flight — more than any other player. Even more impressively, 59 percent of his touches were in the middle third, which is very high for a center-back and underlines how much he gets involved in attacks.
Ajax suffered a dramatic drop-off in form this season. They finished 13 points behind champions Feyenoord, who had Quinten (Jurrien’s twin brother) at the heart of their midfield.
