Arsenal have completed the signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £38m. 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. Prior to being introduced, Timber, who graduated from the Ajax youth and has 160 professional games for the Eredivisie side, finished his medical and finalized his personal terms. The Dutchman has been a longtime priority for Arsenal, who have also just signed Kai Havertz for £65 million. A £105 million deal to capture Declan Rice from West Ham is also about to be finalized.
“I’ve always been an Arsenal fan. The fault lay with my brothers. They had always been Arsenal followers, and I loved cheering on my beloved Arsenal. They had well-known players, and they played differently. I like the club so much,” Jurrien Timber said after completing his move to Arsenal. “I’ve always had this, but I believe my brothers may have helped me develop it. Naturally, I adored seeing Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry play. They were my favorite players.”
Timber can also play at a center-back and is being signed by Arsenal as a right-back, although Manchester United was also interested in him in the past. He has played in 15 international matches for the Netherlands, starting four of their five games at the World Cup in Qatar last year, when they lost to eventual champions Argentina in the quarterfinals.
“The fact that Jurrien has joined us makes us very happy. He is a talented young defender who will fit into our system and add significantly to our team’s quality,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “Despite being a young athlete, Jurrien has accomplished a lot. Along with the prizes he has won with Ajax, he has had several opportunities to attend a significant international event. We are eager to include Jurrien in the team and welcome him.”
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