Arsenal are reportedly keen to secure the signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer.
On the back of earning a second-placed finish in the Premier League during 2022-23, Mikel Arteta will be provided with the funds to make a number of significant additions.
With the prospect of Granit Xhaka leaving for Bayer Leverkusen, the midfield area appears to be the priority with Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia both being linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Furthermore, the Gunners are expected to complete the signing of Kai Havertz in due course, providing that they are able to agree a fee with Chelsea for the forward.
Nevertheless, with Arsenal having struggling for clean sheets during the back end of the campaign, it feels imperative that they add at least one fresh face to their defence.
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According to The Athletic, that could be in the form of Ajax defender Timber, a player who has been linked with a switch to the Premier League in the past.
Manchester United, who had just appointed head coach Erik ten Hag, were credited with an interest in the Netherlands international during the 2022 summer transfer window.
However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot impressed at right-back last season, and United also appear more interested in alternatives to Timber.
The 22-year-old still seems to be in line to get his opportunity in England's top flight, though, with Arsenal ready to negotiate terms with Ajax.
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As it stands, there is a difference of opinion over valuations as Arsenal have only bid £30m whereas Ajax want more towards £50m.
Despite their respective stances, the report suggests that a compromise will eventually be reached, with Timber's contract expiring in 2025 increasing that likelihood.
Timber, who has made 121 appearances for the Dutch giants in all competitions, could prove to be a valuable asset to Arteta in terms of versatility.
He is capable of playing at right-back and centre-back, much like Ben White, and the indication is that he could adopt a similar role to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who often advances to link with the midfield, on the left.
Darren Plant
