Arsenal to step up Timber offer to beat out United and Liverpool

Arsenal are looking to make major reinforcements to their squad as they face a return to the Champions League next season after more than a 15-year absence. Already linked heavily with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, the Gunners are also thinking about their defensive line.

The club made an initial offer of £30 million to Dutch side Ajax for defender Jurrien Timber, which was turned down recently. 'The Athletic' reports that the London club have been told they will need to pay £50 million for the Dutch international, who is keen on the move. 

Ben White was Arsenal's starting choice for right-back all season, but their back line has been hampered by injuries, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba have faced long absences from the team. Timber would provide another option, but is versatile and could fill in in midfield, joining Oleksandr Zinchenko.

'Daily Mail' reports that Arsenal's Premier League rivals, Manchester United and Liverpool have also registered interest in the 22-year-old, and the Gunners are likely keen not to lose out on the young talent.

Timber joined Ajax in 2014 as a youngester and made his senior debut in 2020. He has registered 121 appearances with the Dutch side, 47 of those last season. He has won the Eredivisie title with the side twice since joining.

 

June 19, 2023