Arsenal’s priority target in the defensive area of the field is Jurrien Timber. The Dutch international has been subject to a £30million unsuccessful bid from the Gunners, football.london understands.
The club will have to significantly raise their offer for the player but there is optimism over a potential agreement with Ajax being made. Timber is exceptionally highly rated and the player has somewhat gone under the radar amongst all the talk of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
To get some insight on Timber, football.london spoke to the YouTube channel weTalk Ajax. Contributors Gary and Juan provided expertise on a number of topics from their reaction to the potential move, the player’s style and verdict on price.
To find out what the reaction to Arsenal’s move for Timber, Gary explained that he felt, at least from the Ajax side, this deal was certainly not being masked by the likes of Rice and Havertz. He also boldly predicted when this deal could materialise.
He said: “My reaction to the deal is of disappointment and would love him to stay another year, I don’t think it’s under the radar at all, Arsenal seem to want those 3 players as their main summer targets. I believe Arsenal will get their man come next week.”
Positionally is where things get intriguing regarding Tiber. Although he played all of the matches for Ajax in the Eredivisie last season at centre-half, he has experience at right back.
Gary however feels he can display even more versatility. Yet, he raised the question of where he immediately fits in considering William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães’ established partnership.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Timber edging closer, Havertz deal 'completed', Elneny wanted
“For me, he can play RCB, RB or even be used further up as he can push really well to create space on the counterattack. I’m not sure where Arteta wants him due to Gabriel and Saliba's decent partnership, which we saw with Arsenal last season when Saliba was out Holding wasn’t good enough so is he a backup?
“I’m not sure but it’ll be interesting because Timber will not want to move just to be a bench warmer, he 100% has it in him to break into Arsenal’s first.
At 5’10, Timber is one of the shorter centre halves on the market, and this has been flagged as a potential drawback Arsenal need to be concerned about. Juan however makes the comparison to Manchester United and former Ajax man Lisandro Martinez.
“Lisandro Martinez has shown at Ajax and even in the Premier League that he can go physical and even win his areal duels, despite his height,” Juan explained. “He has a great leaping and timing ability.
“Timber is excellent at covering someone man-to-man. He is agile, quick on his feet, strong, and able to read his opponents which is why he is great at intercepting balls and switching defence into attack.
“In terms of aerial strength, this would be a main weakness in Timber’s game I would say. He doesn’t possess that specific skill set.”
The touted price tag from Ajax is around €60million (£51.6million), yet there is confidence from Arsenal of potentially bringing the price down closer to £40million. Although Luke believes he’s certainly worth more than that.
“I’ve watched Timber play from the Jong Ajax to the first team and was always impressed with his calmness, decision making and speed. I feel he’s worth around the €50million (£43million) mark, he’s young, versatile at the back and has a great mentality even though last year he wasn’t at his best, saying that not many players were for Ajax last season.
“If you can catch the last few games of the season he played better and created a decent partnership with Jorrel Hato (another amazing prospect) again… I’m gutted we won’t see that grow next season.
“Overall it’s an exciting move for him and I see why it appeals to Timber. Selfishly I want him to stay and work with Maurice Steijn [our new coach] and build something with Hato and rebuild Ajax after such a poor year.
“With all the going ons with Ajax upstairs and Sven Mislintat (director of football) I just get the sense Timber has had enough and wants out.”
Lastly, despite his young age, Juan points out one of the big benefits they’re getting by securing Timber. Having played at the top level of European and international football, the 22-year-old is bringing plenty of experience and knowledge of adjustment.
“Timber has been one of the stand-out players at Ajax since coming from the youth ranks. Despite a tough season this campaign, we need to take into account he played with a completely new back-line (before Mazrouai, L. Martinez, Blind/Tagliafico).
“We were hoping he would develop more into a leader, but this was maybe too much to ask of him, yet. In terms of his skill set, Timber is able to blend right in with Arteta's playing style. Comfortable in possession, technically sound, quick handling speed, composed and multifunctional. He is only 22 years old but has a bag of experience having played a ton of games in the Eredivisie, Champions League and World Cup combined.”
