Arsenal transfer news: Jurrien Timber officially confirmed as the Gunners’ second summer signing in £34.2m transfer from Ajax
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have given their verdict on the signing of Jurrien Timber. With his move from Ajax confirmed on Friday, the Dutch international became the Gunners’ second signing of the summer, having recently joined Kai Havertz.
Timber talks began in June when Arsenal and Ajax agreed a deal worth €40m (£34.2m) with a possible further €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons . Timber will wear the number 12 shirt and in his first remarks as a new Arsenal player he outlined four reasons why he felt the Emirates Stadium was the right destination for him.
“Growing up in Utrecht, we all dreamed of being a footballer,” he revealed. “When I was a kid, when I watched games with my brothers, I naturally wanted to play for one of the biggest and best teams in the world.”
On his decision to join, Timber added: “I really felt like they were a team that played well. A club that has the right values. That encourages young talent and has an unbreakable bond with its fans. “Now that I’m here, I already feel at home. Something special is happening here and I want to be part of it. Let’s get to work right away.”
Comments from Arsenal boss Edu and Arteta have also since been published, via the Arsenal website, both revealing their excitement at his arrival. “We are very happy to bring Jurrien to Arsenal,” said Edu. “He’s a player we’ve admired for a long time, so he’s a credit to everyone on our team who made this happen.
“Jurrien is a young and talented international player who fits our vision of competing with a young and strong team. I know Jurrien is eager to get started and we really hope he has great success here for many years to come.”
Arteta added: “We are very happy that Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender who fits into our system and brings a lot of extra quality to our team.
“Jurrien is a young player but he has already achieved so much. He has experienced more than once what it is like to participate in a major international tournament and the trophies he won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming Jurrien and integrating them into the team.
