Arsenal have completed the signing of Lloren Timber from Ajax.
The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract at his new club.
the athlete It reported earlier this month that Arsenal had reached a full deal with Ajax for a fee of €40m (£34.3m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons achievable.
“It was because of my brothers,” Timber said on joining Arsenal. “They’ve always been Arsenal fans, and I loved seeing Arsenal play. They had great players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club.
“I had that from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that into me. I loved watching Robin van Persie of course and Thierry Henry. They were my favorite players.
“There are two players [who have come here from Ajax]But there wasn’t much. 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 a player.
“I’m really excited, especially being here now. Everyone is so nice and you can see it’s a big club. I’m excited to play for this beautiful club, I can’t wait to get started, and to clearly see the fans on the field.”
Timber will wear number 12 while at Arsenal, with that number recently vacated by William Saliba’s switch to number 2.
Timber made 34 Eredivisie appearances in Ajax’s disappointing 2022-23 season, scoring twice and scoring two goals.
The centre-back, who can also play on the right side of defence, has also played 15 times for the Netherlands.
Arsenal are also close to signing Declan Rice, having agreed a £105m fee for the England international with West Ham United.
Mikel Arteta’s side made their first signing of the summer last month, with Kai Havertz joining from Chelsea for a fee of up to £65m.
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What will Timber bring?
Analysis of Jay Harris and Tom Harris
One of Timber’s best qualities is his composure on the ball.
At the World Cup, he played on the right side of a three defense with Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake. Timber used his impressive passing range and dribbling ability to help the team advance up the field.
He is also able to operate in the right-back position.
According to FBref data, Timber averaged 90.5 touches per game last season in the Eredivisie – more than any other player. Even more impressively, 59% of his touches were in the middle third, which is high for a center back and underscores how involved he is in attacks.
Recently speaking to the athleteRonald de Boer said of Woods: “He has no fear. I remember his first game in the Champions League – it seemed like he had already been there in 100 games. He played without fear.
“I remember he pretended to give the ball back to the goalkeeper but he got past it and moved into midfield. The confidence was unbelievable. When someone chases after him, he keeps his cool.”
(Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
“Student. Incurable problem solver. Amateur baconaholic. Introvert. Infuriatingly humble music fanatic.”