Arsenal completes a £38 million signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax

Arsenal have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Netherlands international defender Jurrien Timber after agreeing to pay £38 million for his transfer from Ajax.

The 22-year-old international from the Netherlands will sign a five-year contract with the Gunners for an initial cost of little over £34 million, with the remaining sum to be paid in performance-related add-ons.

According to Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, “We are very happy that Jurrien has joined us. He is a talented young defender.”

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“Jurrien is a young player but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it’s like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”

The defender told Arsenal’s website: “I’ve always been a fan of Arsenal. It was because of my brothers. They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players—the way they played, the style. I just love the club.

“I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie, of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players.”

Timber is recognised as a top-notch defender who excels in both aerial and ground battles, although his greatest strength is in the air. The statistics highlight how important Timber is to Ajax because of his exceptional ball-handling skills.

Timber will be Mikel Arteta’s second signing after the gunner captured the signature of Chelsea’s forward Kai Havertz for £65 million. They also await the signing of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice after agreeing a deal worth £105 million.