Arsenal reach full agreement with Ajax for Jurrien Timber

Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Ajax to sign Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, reports The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The North London club will part with an initial €40 million for the services of the Netherlands international, with €5m to be paid in add-ons.

Ajax have granted the 22-year-old permission to undergo medical and finalise personal terms with Arsenal.

The Gunners have already snapped up Kai Havertz from Chelsea while a deal for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has also been agreed.

The England international could be announced this week, and Timber is expected to be the club’s third summer signing.

Arsenal tabled €35m for the Dutchman last month but it was knocked back as the Eredivisie club wanted more for one of their best players.

Timber wants to join the Emirates Stadium outfit and both clubs have found an agreement following several talks.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his defence as he looks to mount a stronger title challenge next term, and the Ajax academy graduate fits the bill.

He can play at both right-back and centre-back, and his ability to carry the ball into the opponent’s half seamlessly was one of the qualities which attracted Arsenal.

Timber averaged more touches (90.5) per game in the Eredivisie last season than any player and boasts an impressive and intricate passing range.

59% of his touches in the league last term were in the middle third, and his technicality and dribbling ability are skill sets which would come in handy at Arsenal.