Arsenal race for Ajax’s Timber to fortify defence

The injury to William Saliba was undoubtedly the main reason why Arsenal failed to win the Premier League championship the previous year.

The Arsenal didn’t have the same kind of depth as Manchester City did in the latter weeks of the season, but Jurrien Timber’s probable acquisition would help to some extent.

One of the best young centre backs in Europe, Timber, who is on his way from Ajax, can also play right back or in holding midfield.

The addition of players of this calibre to the squad is encouraging for the Gunners as Champions League play will return to the Emirates in the upcoming season.

Brain over brawn

Twelve months ago, Timber’s height — 5ft 10in — might have put Arsenal off this move.

But the Dutchman has former Ajax centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez to thank for proving that brain beats brawn in the Premier League.

Martinez was dismissed as too short when he first signed for Manchester United, particularly after a shaky start, but has used his leap and timing to overcome his stature.

Ronald de Boer, who coached Timber in the Ajax youth system, told The Athletic: “He has to be smart, he has to think a few steps ahead.

“Look at Martinez, everyone thought he wasn’t big enough or strong enough, but he’s been one of the revelations of Manchester United. You have guys who can handle it.”

Ajax upbringing

Arteta should relish working with a player he knows will understand his complex instructions.

Ajax players are notoriously tactically aware and Timber has played most of his senior football under Erik ten Hag, another boss with sophisticated ideas.

His former Netherlands Under-17s boss Kees van Wonderen said: “Some players you need to tell things over and over again, but he [Timber] understands really quickly.

“He combines his technical ability with his mindset and his tactical awareness on the pitch. That’s so important in the modern player.”

The Netherlands international appears the perfect fit for a system that asks defenders to pick up unconventional positions in possession.

Total football

Timber’s use of the ball was outstanding in the last Eredivisie season.

Renowned for his understanding of when and where to take risks, the 22-year-old played by far the highest number of passes of all centre-backs in the Dutch top flight and also completed the second-most dribbles.

That same understanding of the game comes across in his defending, too.

He ranked fifth for interceptions and ninth for tackles among his positional rivals.