Premier League side Arsenal have announced the signing of young Dutch defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax on a long-term deal.
The 22-year-old moves to the Emirates Stadium after 121 senior appearances with Ajax, winning two league titles and a Dutch Cup in his four seasons there.
Timber, who is primarily a center back but can also play as a full back, departs the Johan Cryuff Arena with six goals and four assists and becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the summer after the transfer of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
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He made his senior international debut for the Netherlands in June 2021 and was part of the Dutch team that participated in UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Timber, who has always had the dream of playing for the Gunners, expressed his delight at finalizing the move and pointed out that his love for the North London side was partly influenced by his brothers.
“It was because of my brothers,” he said. “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.
“I think that I’m lucky to say that I can play as a central defender, as a right full-back, sometimes even on the midfield,” he explained. “So I think that’s a good thing and I need to keep that.
“I just like the way Arsenal play, is a bit similar to Ajax’s style and I like to play from the back. I can see a lot of similarities, especially in the way Arsenal and Ajax want to play,” Timber concluded.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta added: “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.”
Timber will wear the No. 12 jersey for Arsenal after French defender William Saliba, who recently picked up the No. 2 shirt, wore it in the 2022–23 season.
