Jurrien Timber, a Netherlands defender, has been acquired by Arsenal for £34 million from Ajax.
The 22-year-old arrives on a long-term contract, and Timber’s cost could increase to £38.5 million.
Following the signing of a new four-year deal by center-back William Saliba, he will strengthen Arsenal’s defense even further.
We are very happy that Jurrien has joined us. He is a talented young defender, according to Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal.
Why Arsenal fans should be excited about Netherlands defender Timber
“Despite being a young player, Jurrien has accomplished so much. Along with the prizes he has won with Ajax, he has had multiple opportunities to attend a significant international event. We are eager to include Jurrien in the group and welcome him.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich were both rumored to be interested in the versatile Dutch defender who can play either at right-back or in the center of defense.
With four appearances at the World Cup in Qatar, Timber has earned 15 caps for the Netherlands, helping Louis van Gaal’s team advance to the quarterfinals.
Timber claimed that his “always-being an Arsenal fan” was a result of his brothers’ support for the team.
They’ve always been Arsenal supporters, and I just enjoy watching Arsenal play. They had prominent players, and their play was distinctive. I simply adore the club,” Timber added.
“I’ve always had this, but I think my brothers kind of ingrained that in me. Naturally, I enjoyed seeing Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie play. They were among my favorite athletes.
He will bolster an Arsenal squad that, after a six-year absence, qualified for the Champions League and came second to Manchester City in the Premier League title chase last season.
His acquisition comes after that of 24-year-old German forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and midfielder Declan Rice of West Ham is also on the verge of completing a club-record £105 million move to the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka, 21, and Reiss Nelson, 23, have also signed to new contracts with Arsenal, while seasoned Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, 30, has joined German team Bayer Leverkusen for £21.4 million.
