MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 21:58:15| >> :60:2112:2112:

Arsenal 'preparing second bid for Jurrien Timber'

Arsenal 'preparing second bid for Jurrien Timber'
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly preparing to submit a second offer for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to submit a second bid for Jurrien Timber.

With the Gunners set to return to the Champions League next season, Mikel Arteta is looking to build a side that can compete on both domestic and European fronts.

The Arsenal boss has seemingly identified central defence as an area that needs strengthening during the summer transfer window.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were utilised as Arteta's first-choice centre-back pairing last season, but the Gunners struggled to cope without the injured Saliba in the closing months of the season.

The Gunners have identified Timber as a potential option, and they recently stepped up their pursuit with a £30m bid.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 7, 2023© Reuters

However, their initial offer fell well below Ajax's asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £50m.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are now set to return to the negotiating table with a fresh offer.

Although it is currently unclear how much Arsenal will offer, they are expected to submit a second bid in the near future.

Timber is seemingly open to a move to the Emirates Stadium after giving Arsenal the "green light" to proceed in their pursuit.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber pictured in April 2021© Reuters

A recent report claimed that the Dutchman is keen to move to Arsenal despite also receiving interest from German champions Bayern Munich.

Arteta views Timber as a priority target for the summer transfer window, and his versatility would certainly be useful to the Arsenal boss.

The 22-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has been predominately used as a central defender in his career, but he is also comfortable operating as a right-back.

After spending time in Feyenoord's youth system, Timber joined Ajax's academy in 2014 and he worked his way through the ranks before making his senior debut in March 2020.

The Netherlands international has gone on to make 121 appearances for the first team, chipping in with six goals and four assists.

ID:516928:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3728:

Click here for more stories about Jurrien Timber

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ajax defender Jurrien Timber pictured in October 2022
Read Next:
Timber 'prefers Arsenal move over Bayern Munich
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!