Arsenal are set to make a second, improved offer for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber though it will still fall some way short of the Dutch club’s asking price, according to reports.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in additional depth on the right side of his back-line, with Netherlands international Timber emerging as the ideal recruit to strengthen the defence.
Although predominantly a centre-back, he is also capable of playing at right-back and will provide cover and competition for Ben White.
Arsenal made their first move for the 22-year-old at the start of the week, launching a £30million bid, but that was well below Ajax’s £50m valuation and was rejected.
Now the Daily Mail are reporting that Arsenal will increase their offer as they look to secure a quick deal – though aren’t willing to stretch to Ajax’s massive asking price just yet.
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, that £50m figure is not set in stone and the Eredivisie giants would be willing to settle for a lower fee.
In all likelihood, a bid between €40m (£35m) and €50m (£43m) should be enough to secure a deal and Timber is eager to join the north Londoners.
Although there is no release clause in his contract, when he extended his deal recently there was a gentleman’s agreement that he would be allowed to leave for a suitable offer.
Timber’s preference right now is to move to Arsenal and he is keen to test himself in the Premier League.
He previously snubbed a move to Manchester United because he feared it would impact his place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad, but that is no longer an issue.
Timber is unlikely to be the only new arrival at Arsenal this summer with the north Londoners also pushing to seal a £65m deal for Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz.
The German is currently on holiday in Spain and Arsenal’s club doctor was spotted in Malaga airport on Friday, with Havertz potentially undergoing his medical this weekend.
Arsenal are also lodging a third, improved offer for West Ham skipper Declan Rice that is closer to the Hammers’ £100m valuation, while they want to secure a £40m deal for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia too.
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