Arsenal have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign defender Jurrien Timber with the Netherlands international set to undergo a medical, according to reports in Holland.
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The north Londoners have been locked in talks with their Dutch counterparts over a fee but were always confident of reaching a compromise, with Timber having a gentleman’s agreement that he can leave this summer.
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the Gunners will pay a €42million (£36m) fixed fee plus a further €5m (£4m) in add-ons.
Timber has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year contract and will undergo a medical in the coming days before the transfer is officially announced.
Although currently on holiday, the 22-year-old will fly to England for his medical tests and to conduct media duties before his unveiling.
Timber came close to moving to the Premier League last summer but ultimately decided to snub a move to Manchester United over fears it might negatively impact his hopes of being included in Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad.
But he is now extremely excited to make the move to the Emirates and, after speaking to Mikel Arteta, made the Gunners his first-choice destination.
Although Ajax endured a difficult campaign, finishing third and missing out on Champions League qualification, Timber’s composure and authority on the ball continued to shine through.
He played a key part in two previous Eredivisie title wins, both under Erik ten Hag, and was the first player to win both the Player of the Year and Young Talent of the Year awards in Dutch top-flight history.
Timber is expected to provide cover and competition for Ben White at right-back and could be used in a similar way to how Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has utilised John Stones recently.
Although nominally a centre-back, the England international has pushed forward into a midfield role when City have possession and Timber could perform the same job for Arsenal.
The deal is likely to be wrapped up in time for Timber to link up with the rest of the squad at London Colney for the start of pre-season training, with the club’s first friendly coming against Nurnberg on July 13 – just two weeks’ time.
In addition to signing Timber, Arsenal have also announced a £65m deal for Kai Havertz and are on the verge of completing a club-record £105m deal for Declan Rice after finally agreeing a fee with West Ham.
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