Dutch defender Jurrien Timber joins Arsenal from Ajax

The Netherlands centre-back has joined the Gunners for a fee of reportedly £38 million and has signed a five year contract at the club.

Timber made his senior Ajax debut back in 2019 and has played 121 times for the Dutch giants, scoring 6 goals in them. He won the Eredivisie title twice with the club and has been a top performer for them.

The 22-year-old defender is primarily a centre-back, but can also be slotted in as a right-back – thus fulfilling Arsenal’s requirement of recruiting multifaceted defenders in their ranks.

Timber has made 15 appearances for the Netherlands senior team, 4 of which came in the previous World Cup in 2022.

JT12 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Y3on2ZcKWC

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 14, 2023

“We’re really excited that Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.

After joining the club, the Dutch international says he has always been an Arsenal fan since his childhood thanks to his brothers, and is excited to play at his new home.

“I’ve always been a fan of Arsenal. 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 said after joining the North London club.

The defender will wear the no. 12 shirt at the North London club and is expected to fly to the USA for their pre-season. The Gunners play MLS All Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona in the tour.

Arsenal have already added Kai Havertz to their squad from Chelsea, while the signing of Declan Rice also is edging towards an official announcement.