The long wait is finally over as Arsenal have announced the signing of defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax in a deal worth £38 million. He has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal.
Timber, who also represents the Netherlands national team (15 caps already), is only 22 years old but has made 121 senior appearances for Ajax in all competitions, winning two league titles and a Dutch Cup during his time with the Amsterdam side.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his excitement after landing the versatile defender, saying that he will fit into the club’s system and provide so much quality.
“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.” Arteta said, as quoted by Arsenal’s official website arsenal.com
Arsenal’s Sporting Director Edu Gasper echoed similar sentiments, adding that the club has admired Timber for a long time since he fits Arsenal’s vision of competing with a young squad.
“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,” Edu said.
Profile
Jurrien Timber joined Ajax’s academy in 2014 with his twin brother Quinten, who currently plays for Eredivisie side, Feyenoord. He signed his first professional contract for Ajax in 2018 and went on to make his senior debut in a 3-1 win over SC Heerenveen in March 2020.
Timber was a member of the Netherlands squad for both UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He made his senior debut for the national team in June 2021, when he started in a 2-2 friendly against Scotland.
He will wear the shirt number 12.
