Izuchukwu Okosi
Premier League runners up Arsenal on Friday afternoon confirmed the long term signing of Netherlands international Jurrien Timber from Dutch Eredevisie side Ajax on a long-term contract.
The versatile defender arrives on a £34m initial fee with an extra £4m in add-ons.
The 22-year-old defender was a key member of the Ajax team, where he made 121 senior appearances in all competitions, winning two league titles and a Dutch Cup during his time with the Amsterdam side.
Jurrien joined Ajax’s academy in 2014 with his twin brother Quinten, who currently plays for Eredivisie side, Feyenoord.
The versatile player 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.
Jurrien was a member of the Netherlands squad for both UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making his senior debut for the national team in June 2021, when he started in a 2-2 friendly against Scotland.
Sporting Director Edu said: “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.”
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.”
Jurrien will wear the number 12 shirt previously worn by his prospective defensive partner, William Saliba. His signing is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
The Dutchman becomes the Gunners’ second signing of the summer, after the £65million arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
Speaking to the Arsenal website upon signing, Timber explained why he was an Arsenal fan.
The 22-year-old said: “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.”
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
