Arsenal are pushing to sign Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber this summer. Mikel Arteta is keen to add a versatile defender to his squad for next season ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The Gunners continue to pursue deals for West Ham captain Declan Rice and Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, with the latter closer to completion following a £65million agreement. However, adding a new defender to the ranks remains on Edu Gaspar's list after William Saliba's season-defining injury last term.
On Monday night, it emerged that Timber was being targeted by the Gunners and a £30million bid had been rejected by Ajax. football.london understands that the north Londoners will have to increase their offer significantly if they are to succeed in bringing the Dutch international away from Amsterdam.
Fortunately for Arsenal, the 22-year-old is said to prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium over Bayern Munich and if reports from the Netherlands are to be believed, Timber is 'certain' to leave Ajax this summer.
And there could be further good news for the Gunners in their attempts to negotiate a deal with Ajax. According to Dutch journalist Johan Inan, Timber and Ajax agreed on a release clause when he extended his contract last summer.
The clause will become active in two weeks, though no exact figure has been disclosed. Nevertheless, it does provide Arsenal with the opportunity to identify what sort of fee they will need to offer to complete the signing of the defender.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: £65m Kai Havertz agreement, Partey price tag, third Rice bid
If Arsenal needed any incentive to sanction the deal, they should look no further than Virgil van Dijk's comments on his compatriot. “I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now [at the same age],” Van Dijk said when asked about his fellow Dutch international last year. “I have nothing but praise for him.
"He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential. Hopefully, he can develop further. Then it will be all right, I think.”
Who should Arsenal keep or sell this summer? Have your say below!
