Arsenal have completed the signing of defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax, the club announced on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who can play either at right-back or centre-back, has signed a long-term contract with the North London club.
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Ajax confirmed that both clubs agreed on a €40 million ($45m) transfer fee
“We’re really excited that Jurrien has joined us,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said in a statement. “He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality.
“Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it’s like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”
Arteta has been keen to bolster his defensive options after his team struggled in the absence of Wlliam Saliba at the end of last season, eventually losing out to Manchester City in the race for the 2022-23 Premier League title.
Kai Havertz has already joined Arsenal this summer from Chelsea in a deal that ESPN reported is worth up to £67.5m.
Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal have agreed a deal with West Ham United for Declan Rice after City pulled out of the race to sign the midfielder.
Speaking to the club’s website, Timber said: “It was because of my brothers. They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club.
“I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players.”
Also on Friday, Ajax announced that Serbian striker Dusan Tadic will leave the club immediately following his own request.
The 34-year-old arrived at Ajax from Southampton at the start of the 2018-19 season.
He went on to win three league titles and lifted the Dutch Cup twice. He made a total of 241 appearances for the club and found the back of the net 105 times.
“The decision to leave the club has been a very hard one to make. However, I believe this is the right moment,” Tadic said in a statement.
“I will forever be an Ajax player and hope to return to Amsterdam soon, in a different role as coach.”
Tadic did not specify his immediate plans after leaving the club.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
