Arsenal have announced the signing of Dutch international Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £35 million.
The 22-year-old defender has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners, marking a significant move in his promising career.
Jurrien Timber emerged as a pivotal figure in the Ajax squad, making a total of 121 appearances across various competitions. During his time with the Amsterdam-based club, Timber celebrated two league titles and a Dutch Cup triumph, showcasing his talent and versatility on the pitch.
Hailing from a football family, Timber joined Ajax’s esteemed academy in 2014 alongside his twin brother Quinten, who currently plays for Feyenoord in the Dutch Eredivisie. The young talent quickly progressed through the ranks and signed his first professional contract with Ajax in 2018.
In March 2020, Jurrien Timber made his senior debut for Ajax in a commanding 3-1 victory over SC Heerenveen, marking the beginning of an impressive journey in professional football. His performances caught the attention of national team selectors, leading to his inclusion in the Netherlands squad for both the UEFA Euro 2020 and the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In June 2021, Timber earned his first senior international cap for the Netherlands in a friendly match against Scotland, where he started in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The defender’s composed style of play and defensive prowess have showcased his potential at the highest level.
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Jurrien Timber becomes Arsenal second signing of the summer after completing his move from Ajax (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking on the acquisition of Timber, Arsenal Sporting Director Edu said he is a player the club has admired for a long time.
“We are very happy to bring Jurrien to Arsenal. He is a player that we have admired for a long time, so it’s a credit to everyone in our team that made this happen.
“Jurrien is a young talented international player, who fits our vision of competing with a young strong squad. I know Jurrien cannot wait to get started and we’re really hoping that he will be a great success here for many years.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta identified the versatility of the player.
“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.
“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.”
While Timber in his first official interview as an Arsenal player, Timber expressed his love for the club and says he has always been an Arsenal fan.
“I’ve always been a fan of Arsenal,” Jurrien Timber told the official website.
“It was because of my brothers. They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club.
“I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players.”
“There are a couple of players [who have come here from Ajax], but there have been not a lot. So I think it’s special to be here as an Ajax player and it’s special that they notice you and they see me as the player I am.
“I’m really excited, especially now I’m here. Everyone is so nice and you can see it’s a big club. I’m excited to play for this beautiful club, and I can’t wait to start, and to see the fans obviously in the stadium.”
Jurrien Timber becomes Arsenal’s second summer signing after Kai Havertz. The Gunners are also hoping to announce the signing of Declan Rice for a club record fee of £105 million from West Ham this weekend.
Timber will wear the number 12 shirt and everyone at Arsenal welcomes Jurrien to the club.
NEXT ARTICLE: Watch Jurrien Timber meet Mikel Arteta for the first time.
