Arsenal have completed the signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with his new club.
The Athletic reported earlier this month that Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Ajax on a €40m (£34.3m) transfer fee plus €5m (£4.3m) in possible surcharges.
“It was because of my brothers,” Timber said of joining Arsenal. “They have always been Arsenal fans and I just loved watching Arsenal play. They had great players, their way of playing, their style. I just love the club.
“I had that from a young age, but my brothers kind of instilled it in me. Of course I enjoyed watching Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry. They were my favorite players.
“There are a few players [who have come here from Ajax], but there weren’t many. That’s why I think it’s special to be here as an Ajax player and it’s special to be noticed and seen for the player that I am.
“I’m really excited, especially now that I’m here. Everyone is so nice and you can tell it’s a big club. I’m looking forward to playing for this wonderful club and I can’t wait to start and of course to see the fans at the stadium.”
Timber will wear the number 12 at Arsenal, a number that was recently vacated by William Saliba’s move to number 2.
Timber made 34 appearances in the Eredivisie in a disappointing 2022/23 season for Ajax, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
The centre-back, who can also play at right-back, also made 15 appearances for the Netherlands.
Arsenal are also close to signing Declan Rice and have agreed a £105million transfer fee for the England international with West Ham United.
Mikel Arteta’s side made their first summer signing last month. Kai Havertz has joined from Chelsea for a transfer fee of up to £65million.
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Jurrien Timber: From ball juggling at the age of four to Ten Hag taking a risk at Ajax
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What will Timber bring?
Analysis by Jay Harris and Thom Harris
One of Timber’s best qualities is his composure on the ball.
At the World Cup he played on the right side of the back three with Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake. Timber used his impressive passing range and dribbling skills to help the team progress on the pitch.
He is also capable of playing at right-back.
According to FBref, Timber averaged 90.5 touches per game last season in the Dutch top flight – more than any other player. Even more impressive is that 59 per cent of his touches came in the middle third, which is high for a centre-back and underscores his involvement in attacks.
Speaking to The Athletic recently, Ronald de Boer said of Timber: “He’s not scared. I remember his first game in the Champions League – it looked like he had been there for 100 games. He played without fear.
“I remember he pretended to return the ball to the goalkeeper but then stepped over it and moved into midfield. The confidence was incredible. If someone follows him, he stays calm.”
(Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)