Arsenal appear to be edging closer to signing Ajax starlet Jurrien Timber during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners had been in contact with Timber's representatives for months before news emerged of their interest in pursuing the move a fortnight ago as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive ranks ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. It's expected that the 22-year-old's fee could be in the region of the £40 million mark, something of a bargain considering the inflated state of the current market.
But footballing icon Marco van Basten warned the Dutch international against leaving Ajax this summer, urging his compatriot to stay at the Johan Cruyff Arena for another season. "You have to go to a club where you know for sure that you are playing," Van Basten told Timber on Ziggo Sport in May.
"A club where not only do you play but where you are decisive. You are now at Ajax. You have to give yourself that assurance.
"You also have to be stable in your private life. If you don’t live with your girl yet, I’m just saying, and you’re going there on your own, I’d absolutely advise against it.
"Which club you go to, in the dressing room they look like, ‘let’s see’. The moment they don’t feel they are better with you, then they are all against you. Because you are an intruder. Then you have to do it alone.
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"You’ve seen this year how difficult it is when you have to go it alone, now that you were among other defenders who were not so good. You had a different year than last year. Last year you were really good and this season you had a difficult season.
"I would really advise him to gain another year of experience in the Netherlands. If it’s a good year then I’d say, ‘okay [you should leave]’. If it is another doubtful season, then I would do another year."
