Arsenal announce Jurrien Timber signing

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Dutch defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

The 22-year-old has joined on a five-year contract, and the Gunners are believed to have paid Ajax an initial £34.2m, which could increase to £38.5m with performance-related add-ons.

Timber becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the summer following Kai Havertz’s arrival from Chelsea and is expected to form a part of Mikel Arteta’s squad for their upcoming pre-season tour of the USA.

“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,” Gunners boss Arteta told arsenal.com.

“Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it’s like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”

A former product of the Feyenoord youth academy, Timber switched to Ajax in 2014 and departs with a record of six goals and four assists in 121 matches for the Amsterdam giants in all tournaments.

The Netherlands international – who can play as a centre-back or inverted right-back – won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Beker under Erik ten Hag, who was thought to be keen to bring Timber to Manchester United.

Timber was seen in attendance at the Red Devils’ recent FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, fuelling speculation that he could head for Old Trafford, but Arsenal swooped in to agree a deal with the 2001-born defender.

Timber could make his non-competitive debut for the Gunners against the former next Thursday.