Arsenal is a ‘good step’ for Jurrien Timber as the Premier League runners-up launch a £30 million bid for Ajax’s two-time Eredivisie winning centre-half.
Imagine. William Saliba, Ben White and Jurrien Timber as your three right-sided centre-half options. There’s more silk in that defensive trio to fill all the kimono shops in Japan.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal submitted an opening offer of £30 million for the Ajax academy graduate on Monday. Ajax are holding out for closer to £50 million. But, with personal terms reportedly ‘in place’ already, it is far from outside the realms of possibility that a compromise between both clubs can be reached.
“Timber has had a few good years. Maybe a little less (good) last season. But, in my opinion, he is a very great talent,” Urby Emanuelsen, a former Ajax ace who also played in England for Fulham, tells VoetbalPrimeur.
“On the one hand, I think Jur is ready for the step. On the other hand, if you’ve had a lesser season at Ajax… I find it difficult to advise him (on what to do).”
Arsenal make £30m bid for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber
After further consideration, Emanuelsen can see why Arsenal may be a sensible destination for a player of Timber’s vast potential and supreme technical ability, highlighting the roles fellow youngsters Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – to name but three – played during last season’s Premier League title charge.
“I would choose Arsenal. Why? They treat young players very well there. If you see how they deal with Martinelli, Odegaard, Saka…” Emanuelsen adds.
“These are all guys who are allowed to make mistakes, and are made important (for the team) at the same time.”
“(Timber) has the potential to reach the absolute top. That’s why Arsenal would be a good step. Arsenal is growing, they will build on (last season’s success).”
Arsenal are also pursuing Romeo Lavia, Kai Havertz, Ilkay Gundogan and Declan Rice as Mikel Arteta looks to overhaul his old mentor Pep Guardiola at the top of the Premier League tree.
Manchester United are keen on Timber too. A potential reunion with Erik ten Hag, Lisandro Martinez and Antony at Old Trafford has, however, been placed on the backburner as the Red Devils prioritise a centre-forward, an attacking midfielder and a ball-playing goalkeeper.
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