Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have made a second bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber with transfer “getting closer”.
The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the past couple of transfer windows, with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag taking over at Old Trafford last summer.
A move to Old Trafford has not materialised and it now seems likely that the Emirates Stadium will now become his new destination with Arsenal launching a second official bid for his services.
Transfer expert Romano said on Monday that Arsenal are “getting closer” to the signing of Timber with the player agreeing terms ahead of the Gunners making their second proposal.
Romano wrote on Twitter: “Arsenal are getting closer to signing Jurrien Timber after 2nd official bid submitted today.
“#AFC Understand value of the second proposal is close to €45/48m. Contract ready and agreed until 2028 as Timber has been clear: he loves Arsenal project and wants to join them.”
It comes two days after Dutch journalist Mike Verweij insisted that Timber’s “dream and priority” is to join Arsenal this summer.
“Timber has said from the very first moment that he only wants to leave Ajax for an absolute top club,” De Telegraaf journalist Verweij said.
“Even Bayern, who have not yet made an offer, are still waiting, because Arsenal are his dream and priority. He doesn’t listen at all to other clubs.
“Ajax & Arsenal really still have to negotiate about the transfer fee, but Timber has also been promised to think along, so there is an agreement [to let him leave]. No fixed transfer fee.
Ajax bet on €60m. I think they will come out between €40m and €50m.”
And former Ajax midfielder Urby Emanuelson has urged Timber to join Arsenal because of the way they treat their young players.
Emanuelson told Voetbal Primeur’s #DoneDeal podcast: “Timber has had a few good years. Maybe a little less last season, but in my opinion, he is a very great talent. I know that the Timber family is very good at planning the careers of the brothers.
“On the one hand, I think Jur is ready for the step. On the other hand, if you’ve had a lesser season at Ajax… I find it difficult to advise him.
“I would choose Arsenal. Why? They treat young players very well there. If you see how they deal with Martinelli, Odegaard, Saka … They are all guys who are allowed to make mistakes and are made important at the same time.
“(He) has the potential to become the absolute top. That’s why Arsenal would be a good step. Arsènal is growing, they will build on that.”
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