There is still a chance that Liverpool could reduce Arsenal’s offer to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
Rumor has it that Timber has been on Liverpool’s radar since the start of the summer. But in recent days, Arsenal seem to be one step ahead of them in the queue to sign the Dutchman.
Despite confirming it, journalist Graeme Bailey said on the 90min Talking Transfers podcast that the Reds – and Manchester United – could still be involved in the tender.
“We know Manchester United are watching him [Timber] very closely,” the reporter said. “I’m amazed they haven’t gotten stronger for him.
I think he fits in perfectly at Old Trafford, he can play that right-back role as well.” I wouldn’t rule out United and Liverpool But it looks like Arsenal have won €35m, with Ajax wanting €60m [£52m] to complete the deal.
“There’s still a few legs left in there, it’s not decided yet. But Arsenal fired the first shot past Ajax.”
Arsenal make their first Timber move
Arsenal’s decision to sign Timber didn’t necessarily come out of nowhere. The Ajax player has hinted for a number of weeks that he expects to switch teams this summer. Back in the Champions League, it’s no big surprise that the Gunners move to the front row.
But despite this, they have not been seen as one of the frontrunners in recent weeks. As Bailey suggests, Liverpool and United in particular seemed more interested.
However, this is the transfer market and things usually happen without warning
To be fair to Arsenal, they are showing the kind of ambition Liverpool fans would like to see from their club. Over the past few days, they’ve taken concrete steps for Timber and Declan Rice while trying to broker a deal for Kai Havertz.
Reports have it that Liverpool target Romeo Lavia is another player likely to join Liverpool as champion leather Mikel Arteta.
On the other hand, Jurgen Klopp and the Reds are – as usual – a bit cautious. Getting Alexis Mac Allister through the door is obviously good business, but we need a lot more and it’s all been a bit quiet. Maybe Arsenal will mobilize them when it comes to Timber. But we wouldn’t spend money on it.
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The Athletic: Why Andre Onana is the best goalkeeper for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has an important decision to make regarding the goalkeeper position at Manchester United.
Despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove, David de Gea’s performances this season have been far from satisfactory.
The Spaniard had some brilliant moments, but his inability to play from behind at crucial moments and dominate his box proved costly for United.
Ten Hag has publicly backed De Gea and said how confident he is in his abilities.
However, according to recent reports, the Dutchman could start looking for a new goalkeeper this summer. Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is an obvious option for Manchester United.
Ten Hag is a big fan of Onana, having worked with him at Ajax.
The Cameroonian is the contemporary goalkeeper par excellence, ideal for a team that likes to keep possession of the ball.
The Athletic’s Matt Pyzdrowski sums up Onana’s strengths perfectly:
“Onana’s best feature is undoubtedly his possession. He can control the ball and pass into tighter areas and keep his composure, playing with the precision of a central midfielder.”
“Rarely stressed in distributing him, he excels at blocking the ball accurately over a range of distances, allowing Inter to dominate possession.”
“His role often requires him to hold the ball for as long as possible and to invite the press to manipulate the opponent and open up spaces.”
Though he was on the losing side, his performance against Manchester City in the Champions League final was simply world class. Pep Guardiola was quick to congratulate him:
“Because of the way he plays, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper who occupies the uphill position. Really, really good.
United’s biggest weakness is their inability to keep the ball. It gets worse when De Gea passes the ball aimlessly.
Ten Hag will have to start from the back if he wants to change United’s style of play.
Onana is 27 and in his prime as a goalkeeper. This deal should be a no-brainer!
