What Arsenal could unleash with Jurrien Timber

Despite Arsenal focusing their eyes on catching the right fish in Declan Rice, the club still maintains its focus on signing Ajax’s Jurrien Timber this summer.

The Gunner’s summer transfer activity has gained momentum as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

While the pursuit of high-profile targets like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz has grabbed headlines, the Gunners have been quietly working on securing the services of Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

Recent developments suggest that personal terms have been agreed between Timber and Arsenal, leaving only the transfer fee negotiation between the clubs. There is optimism that a deal can be reached, and once the formalities are complete, the question remains as to where Timber will slot into the Arsenal backline.

Jurrien Timber has already established himself as a promising talent despite his young age of 22. With over 100 appearances for Ajax and 15 caps for the Netherlands, Timber’s rise through the ranks has been impressive. He played a pivotal role in Ajax’s Eredivisie title triumphs in 2021 and 2022, making him a highly regarded defender.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Timber has been driven by his exceptional composure on the ball, a characteristic that aligns with the Dutch tradition of technically proficient defenders.

Timber’s ability to complete short passes effectively makes him a valuable asset for a possession-oriented team like Arsenal. In the 2022-23 Eredivisie season, no player in the league completed more short passes than Timber.

The Dutchman’s patience and confidence on the ball suit Arsenal’s style of play, allowing him to wait for optimal moments before delivering precise passes through the lines. Given Arsenal’s proficiency in lightning-quick transitions, Timber’s role as a ball-playing defender could see him orchestrate attacks from the heart of the defense, akin to a quarterback.

However, Timber’s one-on-one defensive skills, particularly against physical strikers, could be an area for improvement. Standing at 182cm tall, he may face challenges against robust center-forwards.

Additionally, his aerial ability and positioning when covering the back post as a full-back can be targeted by opponents. Nevertheless, Timber’s pace allows him to recover quickly from any defensive errors.

Timber’s arrival at Arsenal could also be viewed as a contingency plan for the potential absence of William Saliba due to injury. Saliba’s back injury last season significantly impacted Arsenal’s defensive stability, highlighting the need for reliable backup.

Timber’s skill set and attributes make him an appealing replacement for Saliba, and he represents an upgrade over Rob Holding in that regard.

The similarities between Timber and Saliba extend beyond their defensive capabilities. Both players possess a preference for simple, effective play and have acted as catalysts for their respective teams’ attacking moves. Timber’s technical ability should complement Gabriel Magalhaes, just as Saliba has done in recent times.

Furthermore, Timber’s versatility allows Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to explore options beyond the center of defense. Arteta has a track record of converting central defenders into right-backs, as demonstrated with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Timber’s prior experience at right-back for Ajax and the Netherlands adds another dimension to his potential role within the squad.

The presence of White and Tomiyasu in the starting XI could face competition from Timber in the short term. Technically superior to both players, Timber’s proficiency could be valuable if Arteta adopts a system with inverted full-backs.

However, White’s impressive performances last season and his established role in the team provide him with credit in the bank.

Additionally, the acquisition of Timber allows Arteta to experiment with a back three formation if desired, potentially granting playing time to all three defenders. Notably, Timber played on the right side of a back three for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup.

As Arsenal works towards finalizing the deal for Jurrien Timber, the versatile defender brings an array of skills that align well with the Gunners’ style of play.

His technical ability, composure, and potential to contribute to the attack make him an exciting prospect for Arsenal’s defense. The arrival of Timber adds depth and competition within the squad, enhancing Arteta’s options for the upcoming season.