Arsenal have made an opening approximate £30million bid for Jurrien Timber. The Dutch international is valued significantly higher by Ajax and football.london understands the Gunners will need to improve their offer considerably to land the defender even with the two years remaining on his current deal.
The Gunners are looking to secure a deal for the 22-year-old to help strengthen the squad at the back with an option in depth. The 22-year-old has impressed in his time for Ajax, but a disappointing campaign last time out saw the perennial champions finish third and has sparked widespread changes at the club.
The Dutch international only added fuel to the fire when it came to speculation over his future, having told journalists on his future: "Will I stay with Ajax anyway? I’m not sure, I can’t stay that. I’m not in talks with Ajax now. My agent had a good talk a few times, but it’s not like we’re talking about anything right now.”
It suggests that, while contract talks aren't underway, a move could be facilitated in the coming weeks of the transfer window. The report from the Athletic claims that Ajax are looking for roughly £50million to let the defender leave this summer, a £20million difference in valuation at this stage.
It could see the Gunners pip their old rivals Manchester United to a deal, following their links with a move for the youngster over the past year. Erik ten Hag worked with Timber during his time with the Dutch club and could become the third former player to make the leap to Old Trafford.
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That would follow the footsteps of Antony and Lisandro Martinez, the latter of the two Arsenal intended on making a move for, but were priced out of a switch. Instead, attention turned towards Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left, who had a huge impact in his first season.
Not only could Arsenal get their revenge over the Red Devils, but they could add a young player who is comfortable facilitating a similar role to their left-back by inverting. While there's that benefit to having the defender play at right-back, he is also comfortable playing at centre-back and could add the cover that Mikel Arteta needs ahead of a busy campaign.
