Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer for Jurrien Timber after having an opening £30million bid for the defender rejected by Ajax.
The Dutch giants want closer to £50m but Arsenal are optimistic that a deal can be reached. Timber is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Arsenal want to sign a new defender this summer and Timber is an attractive option as he can operate at both right-back and centre-back.
The 22-year-old was in the Netherlands squad at the last World Cup, playing four times in Qatar, and has 15 senior caps for his country in total.
He was a target for Manchester United last summer but stayed at Ajax and signed a new contract until 2025. Timber is also attracting interest from other top European clubs.
“There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax,” Timber told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
“Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract.
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“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.”
