Arsenal have emerged as surprise suitors for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, presumably much to the dismay of those at the top of the Manchester United hierarchy.
For the majority of the summer transfer window last year, Timber was touted with a move to Old Trafford. Boss Erik ten Hag had just made the switch from Ajax to United himself and speculation suggested that the pair would reunite sooner rather than later.
Ten Hag is a keen admirer of the 22-year-old and has previously waxed lyrical over Timber, making little attempt to hide his desire to bring the young Netherlands international to the Premier League. His comments from 2022 make for particularly interesting reading now the Gunners have entered the race for the defender's signature.
"He (Timber) could even play at left-back or in central midfield," the United manager explained.
"He will not immediately be the leader of the Ajax first team, but he dares to speak out immediately and has not been shy in the dressing room. Those are important qualities to get far."
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta favours big personalities in the dressing room and could take note of Ten Hag's remarks as Arsenal's pursuit of Timber starts to take shape.
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As things stand, last season's runners-up have submitted their first bid, thought to be worth £30million. Dutch giants Ajax have swiftly rejected that first offer and have informed the Gunners they are holding out for at least £50m before giving Timber the green light to depart.
Despite seeing their first bid turned down, there is mounting belief from Arsenal's end that a deal can be struck. Their odds are helped by the fact that Timber himself is keen on the move.
It seems as if Arteta's desire to land Timber stems from the fact the Dutchman possesses standout technical quality and has the ability to start attacks while operating in a number of different roles.
During his time in the Dutch capital, Timber has been deployed as a centre-back, right-back, left-back and central midfielder.
The defender has opened up on his thoughts regarding his own club future, telling De Telegraaf back in April: "There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax.
"Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy, I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation. At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday."
