Arsenal transfer news takes a closer look at what Mikel Arteta will be getting from Jurrien Timber as a £34.2m move from Ajax is close to completion.
Jurrien Timber was confirmed as Arsenal’s second summer signing on Friday.
Having seen his side’s Premier League title challenge falter during the business єɴԀ of last season after losing both William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu to ιɴjυɾу, as well as conceding 42 goals, it quickly became clear that defensive reinforcements are very important toMikel Artetathis summer.
So with Kai Havertz already signed to bolster the Gunners’ attacking midfield options and a club-record £105 million Ԁєɑł forDeclan Rice being struck, the Gunners moved to sign Timber as a versatile defensive option and his arrival has now been confirmed.
Arsenalwill pay an initial €40m (£34.2m) fee with a potential further €5million (£4.3million) in add ons. A medical was completed over the last week and Timber has signed a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium.
The Dutchman, as pertransfermarkt, made 47 appearances across all competitions for Ajax last season and was deployed as the right-sided centre-back in every single one of them which means he can step in for Saliba to partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the Gunners’ defence when the Frenchman is rested.
Alternatively, he can operate as a full-back to provide competition and cover to Benjamin White and Tomiyasu. But, interestingly, the right-back in Arteta’s system is asked to tuck inside when Arsenal are in possession thus effectively operating as a third central defєɴԀer and this should suit Timber to a tee.
With that said, for those not completely familiar with his game, what type of player are the north London outfit getting as a £34.2m Ԁєɑł nears completion?
Well, judging by the image below viaWhoScored, Timber’s three main strengths based on the last two seasons are passing, tackling and concentration. Meanwhile, he is described as someone who likes to play short passes, is an indirect set-piece threat, likes to dribble and commits fouls often.
All of which describes the iԀєɑł defensive signing for Arteta especially with his principles of Arsenal playing out from the back as Timber shouldn’t have too many problems slotting in – whether as a central defєɴԀer or on the flanks – as he’s comfortable on the ball and doesn’t switch off at key moments.
But with aerial duels listed as the only weakness in his game as well, it’s clear where Timber could have some issues, especially against some of the more taller strikers in the Premier League and in Europe. Although, as proven by former Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez – now at Manchester United – there are ways to not get exposed.
