On Thursday afternoon, Fabrizio Romano broke the news that Arsenal and Ajax were entering the final stages of talks over the transfer of Jurrien Timber.
Romano reported that the deal was progressing after Arsenal’s €45-48m bid on Monday, with the two parties now getting closer.
Mike Verweij then reported for De Telegraaf that Arsenal and Ajax had verbally agreed a transfer fee of €42m (£36m), with add-ons potentially bringing the total to €47m (£40m).
Verweij claimed that the medical tests are scheduled, and Chris Wheatley backed up the Dutch report.
Yet Fabrizio Romano cast doubt on those claims, reporting that no medical has yet been scheduled, and there are still details to clarify between the two clubs.
Ending on a positive note, Romano claimed it looks like a matter of time until the deal will be done.
The Evening Standard write that both Arsenal and Ajax are keen to wrap up the transfer, and talks are expected to accelerate over the weekend.
From Timber’s point of view, he’s excited about the prospect of a move and personal terms will not be an issue.
Manchester United had tracked the centre-back in 2022, and Bayern Munich were interested this summer, but the player is prioritising a move to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta and Edu reportedly believe Timber is capable of operating as an inverted right-back, playing in midfield when Arsenal are in possession.
Oleksandr Zinchenko played that role on the other side last season, but Arsenal finished the campaign with Thomas Partey playing the inverted right-back role in Zinchenko’s injury absence.
Timber would be a better fit for the position, with a lot more experience at right-back defensively and plenty of quality on the ball.
The 22-year-old made 47 appearances for Ajax in the 2022/23 campaign, and he’s also a Dutch international, playing 15 times for the national team.
