Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'reach verbal agreement over Jurrien Timber deal'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 25 June 2023

Arsenal are on the verge of securing a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber despite interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, according to a report.

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of securing a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

The Netherlands international was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during last summer's transfer window, with the centre-back seemingly preparing to follow Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford.

Timber ultimately remained in Amsterdam beyond the end of the transfer market, though, and he signed a new deal with the Dutch giants last August, with his current terms running until June 2025.

The 22-year-old was in strong form for Ajax during the 2022-23 campaign, making 47 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering two assists in the process.

Man United have again been linked with the Dutchman this summer, while Liverpool are also believed to be keeping a close eye on his current situation in the Netherlands.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber pictured in April 2021 © Reuters

However, Arsenal have recently emerged as the favourites for a player who has opened the door to a summer move away from Ajax.

The Gunners allegedly had an opening offer, thought to be in the region of £30m, turned down.

However, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, there has been significant progress in the negotiations, with Arsenal now closing in on his signature.

Plettenberg claims that a verbal agreement has already been reached, and Bayern Munich are not in the race for his signature despite the recent speculation surrounding the Bundesliga champions.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 28, 2023 © Reuters

The journalist reports that an agreement is expected to be reached in the region of £38.7m, with Mikel Arteta's side set to increase their opening offer for the defender.

Timber came through the youth system at Feyenoord before making the move to Ajax in 2014, progressing through their various age groups ahead of debuting for the first team in 2019.

The Dutchman has represented his current side on 121 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering four assists in the process.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano said last week that Timber had given the 'green light' on a move to Arsenal, with the defender determined to continue his career in the Premier League.

The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League last season, are also thought to be closing in on deals for Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Chelsea's Kai Havertz.