Mikel Arteta is planning to use Jurrien Timber as an inverted right-back for Arsenal next season, according to reports.
The Gunners are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Ajax after submitting a second bid for the Netherlands international this week.
After their opening £30 million offer was rejected last week, Arsenal are closing in on reaching a compromise with Ajax, who value the 22-year-old at £50m.
Timber is intent on joining Arsenal this summer and has already rejected an approach from Bayern Munich.
It’s understood that Timber has agreed personal terms with Arsenal for a deal worth £130,000 a week.
According to The Telegraph, Arteta and Arsenal’s technical director Edu are in agreement that Timber, who has primarily played as a central defender for Ajax, will be brought in with a view to being played as an inverted right-back, mirroring the role Oleksandr Zinchenko played on the opposite flank last season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to complete their £65m deal to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea this week.
The Germany international has already undergone some of his medical checks with the Gunners.
Last season’s Premier League runners-up are also set to submit a third offer for Declan Rice.
Two bids have been rejected so far, while Manchester City’s opening offer of £80m plus £10m in add-ons, has also been turned down by West Ham, who are demanding £100m.
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