Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf.
The Gunners have agreed to pay an initial €42 million plus €5m in bonuses to sign the highly rated Netherlands international.
The 22-year-old centre-back will sign a five-year contract with the Premier League runners-up, which will see him earn €8m per year at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had identified the youngster as a top target to reinforce his backline, and he has finally landed his man after playing a key role in selling the club to the defender.
After coming through the youth ranks at Ajax, Timber was handed a first-team berth in 2020, and the Dutchman wasted no time establishing himself as a core part of the squad.
Timber has racked up 121 appearances for de Godenzonen, chipping in with six goals and four assists.
His impressive displays at club level also earned him a place in the national team set-up. He has won 15 senior caps and was part of the team that finished fourth in the 2022/23 Nations League.
Timber is widely considered one of the best young centre-backs in Europe because of his astute defensive skills and excellent ball-playing ability.
He is also adept at playing as a right-back, and his versatility will come in handy for Arsenal.
The Dutchman will become Arsenal’s second acquisition of the Premier League transfer window after Kai Havertz, who completed his long-awaited move from Chelsea just over 24 hours ago.
More incoming transfers are expected at Arsenal, with Arteta looking to build a squad strong enough to challenge Manchester City for the elusive Premier League title.
The Gunners fell short at the death despite leading for most of last season, and Arteta wants to ensure his squad can go all the way next term.
Arsenal are still thrashing out a deal to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. They have already matched the club’s enormous asking price, but the payment structure must be ironed out.
