In a recent edition of the Here We Go podcast, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano was tipped to land Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. Romano said,
“Yeah it is probably going to be Jurrien Timber. Just waiting to finalise the deal between Arsenal and Ajax, they submitted a bid on Monday morning, around €48m, a bid that is very close to what Ajax wanted around €50m. For now, Arsenal’s efforts are on signing Declan Rice, they don’t want to miss out on the target of the summer, but for Timber the conversations are positive,”
Timber’s Decent Form At The Johan Cruyff Arena
Timber enjoyed a solid season in Dutch football as he managed to catch the eye with his performances at the centre of Ajax’s backline. The 22-year-old scored two goals and secured two assists in 47 matches for his current employers in the previous campaign in all competitions.
The Utrecht-born defensive ace has been a rock at the back based on his average of 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.9 clearances, 0.9 shots and 0.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie. He was even accurate when distributing possession from inside his half after making 91.7% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Dutch football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Amsterdam club will run out in 2025. Hence, Arsenal will have to make a lucrative offer if they want to lure Timber to North London this summer.
What Will Timber Bring To Arsenal?
Timber is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He usually clears his lines when the opposition are on the offensive and is a decent passer of the ball as well. The Dutch talent is also proficient at playing his way out from the back.
Timber mainly operates as a centre-half but can also fill in as a right-back if needed. At 22, he has the potential to become one of the best players in his position someday.
Therefore, Arsenal head Mikel Arteta should think about moving in for Timber as he will bring plenty of bite and steel to his defensive department. The Ajax star will even help the Gunners compete across all fronts in the coming seasons.
