Jurrien Timber is on course to be an Arsenal player very soon.
Having seen his side's Premier League title challenge falter during the business end of last season after losing both William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu to injury, as well as conceding 42 goals, it quickly became clear that defensive reinforcements are very important to Mikel Arteta this summer.
So with Kai Havertz already signed to bolster the Gunners' attacking midfield options and a club-record £105 million deal for Declan Rice being struck, football.london understands that Timber is set to join the ranks in addition as an agreement has been reached with Ajax for another big-money transfer.
Arsenal will pay an initial €40m (£34.2m) fee with a potential further €5million (£4.3million) in add ons and therefore all that remains is for the 22-year-old to complete all the formalities such as undergoing a medical which is expected to take place this week and signing a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The Dutchman, as per transfermarkt, made 47 appearances across all competitions for Ajax last season and was deployed as the right-sided centre-back in every single one of them which means he can step in for Saliba to partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the Gunners' defence when the Frenchman is rested.
Alternatively, he can operate as a full-back to provide competition and cover to Benjamin White and Tomiyasu. But, interestingly, the right-back in Arteta's system is asked to tuck inside when Arsenal are in possession thus effectively operating as a third central defender and this should suit Timber to a tee.
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With that said, for those not completely familiar with his game, what type of player are the north London outfit getting as a £34.2m deal nears completion?
Well, judging by the image below via WhoScored, Timber's three main strengths based on the last two seasons are passing, tackling and concentration. Meanwhile, he is described as someone who likes to play short passes, is an indirect set-piece threat, likes to dribble and commits fouls often.
All of which describes the ideal defensive signing for Arteta especially with his principles of Arsenal playing out from the back as Timber shouldn't have too many problems slotting in - whether as a central defender or on the flanks - as he's comfortable on the ball and doesn't switch off at key moments.
But with aerial duels listed as the only weakness in his game as well, it's clear where Timber could have some issues, especially against some of the more taller strikers in the Premier League and in Europe. Although, as proven by former Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez - now at Manchester United - there are ways to not get exposed.
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