Arsenal have launched an improved bid for Ajax's Jurrien Timber after seeing an opening offer rejected.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their ranks after an impressive campaign with several big names on their radar. Timber was previously a target for Manchester United last summer, but ended up remaining in Amsterdam for another season.
Arsenal now want the Dutchman to strengthen their defensive ranks, which were somewhat exposed in the final months of the season as William Saliba remained absent through injury. Their £30m offer was knocked back but they've come back with a £41.5m bid, as per The Sun.
Ajax chiefs value Timber at closer to £50m, which may force the north Londoners to negotiate further with the Dutch side if they want their man. The Amsterdam club have seen several big names leave recently, losing Lisandro Martinez last summer, and will want a fair fee if they are to lose another prized asset.
Arsenal have agreed personal terms over a five-year deal with the defender, meaning only the fee has to be agreed. The Guardian reported that talks between Timber's representatives and the Emirates hierarchy have progressed which will accelerate the deal once a number has been agreed with Ajax.
The Gunners are pushing with their summer recruitment as they close in on a £65m deal for Kai Havertz. The Chelsea playmaker has been unable to establish himself as the club's main man in his three seasons at the Blues and the Gunners are looking to bring him to the Emirates.
Chelsea need to raise funds this summer and could cash in by selling the German to a direct domestic rival. Havertz would provide Mikel Arteta with several attacking options due to his versatility.
Arsenal have also been chasing Declan Rice for several weeks with the West Ham star set to leave the Hammers. Rice has been the team's leading light for several years, which has attracted plenty of admirers but the east London outfit are holding out for a hefty fee.
They value Rice at £100m, which is why Arsenal's two bids have been rejected thus far. Manchester City are looking to rival the Gunners for the England international, but they have also seen their offers rejected.
Arteta is preparing for several summer exits, which will only further his need to recruit. Granit Xhaka is set to return to Germany with Thomas Partey potentially following him out of the club. Kieran Tierney and Folarin Balogun could also seek pastures new as they eye regular minutes.
