Arsenal are reportedly preparing a second offer for Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber, after seeing an opening bid turned down by the Dutch club.
The centre-back is also a target for Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag keen on a reunion. But, it now seems the Gunners are firm favourites to sign him.
Mikel Arteta is tipped to add several players to the Arsenal squad ahead of next season. For instance, Declan Rice is his primary target, and Romeo Lavia is ‘close’ to making a switch to the Emirates.
But, the manager is also keen to bolster his defence. When William Saliba picked up an injury last term, it derailed their title hopes. So, a new centre-back certainly wouldn’t go amiss.
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Arsenal have already agreed on personal terms with Timber. Therefore, the only thing left to negotiate is his transfer fee.
However, Ajax will not let him go cheaply. The 22-year-old is considered to be one of the best young defenders in Europe, and the Dutch giants want £50m, significantly more than Arsenal’s opening offer of £30m.
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Arsenal prepare improved Timber bid
Now, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are set to make an improved second offer for Timber.
On Twitter, he wrote: “Arsenal are preparing their second bid for Jurrien Timber. Expectation’s to be submitted soon — crucial step after green light from the player.
“Arteta has already approved Timber as priority target for this window.”
Last season, Timber made 34 league appearances for Ajax, showing his importance to the team. In the process, he helped them to 11 clean sheets and scored one goal.
He has also picked up 15 caps for the Netherlands national team already. So, there is certainly no doubting his quality.
Now, it remains to be seen whether Man Utd will make their own bid for Timber this summer.
It’s no secret that Ten Hag wants to bring in a new centre-back and has had Timber on his radar for some time. However, the Red Devils seem to be focusing on moves for Axel Disasi (Monaco) and Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice).
As a result, Arsenal are leading the race for Timber. Whether or not they meet Ajax’s £50m price tag, however, remains to be seen.
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