Arsenal new signing Jurrien Timber has named two former Gunners as the players that kickstarted his love of the club, after completing a move from Ajax that could cost as much as £38million. The Netherlands defender was sought out in order to provide further quality and depth to Mikel Arteta’s backline, after the team struggled to deal with injuries to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu last season.
The 22-year-old versatile defender had interest from Manchester United a year ago but Ajax held firm after losing both Antony and Lisandro Martinez, though the Red Devils’ rivals Arsenal returned 12 months later to land Timber. After a breakthrough in negotiations, the Gunners were able to conclude a deal for the man expected to cover both right-back and centre-back.
Upon his arrival when announced on Friday afternoon, Timber highlighted Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie as two players that ignited his love for Arsenal. “It was because of my brothers.” Timber told the club website. “They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play.
“They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club. I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players.
“There are a couple of players [who have come here from Ajax], but there have been not a lot. So I think it’s special to be here as an Ajax player and it’s special that they notice you and they see me as the player I am.
“I’m really excited, especially now I’m here. Everyone is so nice and you can see it’s a big club. I’m excited to play for this beautiful club, and I can’t wait to start, and to see the fans obviously in the stadium.”
Timber’s versatility will have appealed to Arteta, as he could invert from right-back and provide the Spanish boss with more opportunities to experiment with his shape as Oleksandr Zinchenko often moved into midfield from the left – but now Timber could do so from the opposite flank.
Timber explained his game in his own words and suggested that he could also play in midfield for the coming season. “I think that I’m lucky to say that I can play as a central defender, as a right full-back, sometimes even on the midfield,” he added.
“So I think that’s a good thing and I need to keep that. I just like the way Arsenal play, is a bit similar to Ajax’s style and I like to play from the back. I can see a lot of similarities, especially in the way Arsenal and Ajax want to play.”
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
