Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of finalising a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to sources close to the situation. The Gunners have been in continuous talks with Ajax and are confident that an agreement will be reached soon.
Arsenal had initially made an opening offer of €35m for the Dutch international, which fell significantly short of Ajax’s asking price of €60m. However, the North London club is hopeful of negotiating the price down to below €50m, and there is a strong belief that a deal will be struck in the near future.
Timber, who was previously courted by Manchester United and their former manager Erik ten Hag, is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium. The versatile centre-back, who can also operate at right-back and in midfield, is seen as a player who can bring a similar level of adaptability to the team as Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Arsenal‘s plan is to use Timber primarily on the right side of defence, offering them the option to adjust their backline in the same way that Zinchenko allows them to do.
In addition to Timber, Arsenal are also expected to make Kai Havertz their first summer signing after agreeing a fee with Chelsea. They are also set to make another bid for Declan Rice, although they face stiff competition from Manchester City.
The Gunners are also reportedly in talks with Southampton over Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia.
