Jurrien Timber: Arsenal continue summer spree as defender joins in £38m deal from Ajax

Arsenal have completed the £38m signing of Ajax and Netherlands international defender Jurrien Timber as the Gunners continue to reinforce their squad ahead of another tilt at the Premier League title.

Timber becomes Mikel Arteta’s second high-profile recruit of the summer and has signed a five-year contract.

Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “We are very happy to bring Jurrien to Arsenal.

“He is a player that we have admired for a long time, so it’s a credit to everyone in our team that made this happen.

“Jurrien is a young talented international player, who fits our vision of competing with a young, strong squad.

“I know Jurrien cannot wait to get started and we’re really hoping that he will be a great success here for many years.”

Arteta added: “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.

“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.”

The defender made 44 appearances for Ajax last season at centre back. From that position, Timber scored two goals and created two more.

In a rather disappointing season for Ajax, in which the perennial title contenders finished third, Timber enjoyed a personally successful season. He was in the Eredivisie’s top 1% in a host of statistical categories for centre backs, including progressive passes made and received, and shot creating actions.

Those qualities on the ball are what have attracted the attention of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Last summer, Manchester United flirted with the notion of bringing Timber along to join his former manager, Erik ten Hag, in England, but ultimately opted for team-mate Lisandro Martinez instead.

Arsenal, another contender for Timber’s signature last year, have now returned to complete the deal.

According to the Evening Standard, Timber is expected to be used primarily as a right-back, unseating incumbent Ben White. That Arsenal would be willing to spend so heavily to replace an England international who cost £50m from Brighton just two years ago, underlines the seriousness of their project.

Timber’s strength in possession make him an ideal candidate for the inverted full-back role that Arsenal, among many leading European clubs, like to deploy in possession. This also means that Timber’s perceived weaknesses, notably in aerial duels, will be less of a concern.

One other potential concern about Timber is his lack of experience. Dutch legend Marco van Basten sounded a word of warning on that subject while speaking on Dutch television.

Van Basten said: “You have to be careful that you don’t become a reserve player there. I would have waited to get more experience. Another year at Ajax would have suited you. You shouldn’t go somewhere just to participate. You should go to a club where you will be regarded as a leader and a dominant figure in the team.

“Everyone in the dressing room at your new club will look at you and say ‘go on, show us what you can do.’ And if your fellow players don’t feel you can really improve the team, then they’re all against you. You will be considered an intruder.”

The 2023-24 season will present new challenges for Arteta’s side. Champions League football returns to the Emirates for the first time in six seasons.

Arsenal’s new recruits will be busy across multiple fronts as they look to win a trophy for the first time since 2020.