Jurrien Timber signs the contract to join Arsenal at London Colney in St Albans, England, July 14, 2023. /CFP
Arsenal have signed Dutch defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax, "The Gunners" announced on Friday. According to Ajax, the two sides agreed on 40 million euros (about $45 million) which can further grow to 45 million euros (about $50.6 million) with add-ons.
"We're really excited that Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality," Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta said in a statement.
"Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it's like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad," he added.
Arsenal led the Premier League for a long time last season but lost the title to Manchester City in the end, partly because of their defensive slump in the absence of Wlliam Saliba at the end of the season.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal poses for a portrait at London Colney in St Albans, England, July 14, 2023. /CFP
Timber, 22, can play both at center-back and right-back, is exactly what Arteta needs to enhance Arsenal's defensive line.
"It was because of my brothers. They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club," Timber told Arsenal.com. "I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favorite players."
Arsenal have been very active so far during the summer transfer window. They acquired German attacker Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a deal that can be worth up to 67.5 million pounds (about $88.4 million).
Moreover, ESPN reported that The Gunners also reached agreement with West Ham United over the transfer of Declan Rice, who will cost Arsenal as much as 105 million pounds (about $137.4 million) to land.