Arsenal sign Dutch defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax

22-year-old joins Gunners ‘on long-term contract’

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Arsenal signed Dutch defender Jurrien Timber from the Netherlands’ Ajax on Friday.

“Netherlands international Jurrien Timber has joined us from Ajax on a long-term contract,” Arsenal said in a statement to welcome the 22-year-old.

“We’re really excited that Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said and praised the Gunners’ new signing.

“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 added.

Ajax product Timber, 22, scored six goals in 121 matches for the Amsterdam club, and won the Dutch title twice in 2021 and 2022.

He amassed 15 international caps for his native Netherlands

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Arsenal set to reject underwhelming Rob Holding bid

Arsenal are set to reject an opening offer from Besiktas for the transfer of Rob Holding, according to a report.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Besiktas have submitted an offer to sign Rob Holding worth €2.5m (£2.14m), but this is far below what Arsenal might consider to sell the defender.

Arsenal are expected to reject the bid, with Holding still having a year left on his contract and an option to extend to 2025.

Holding missed out on Arsenal’s friendly against FC Nurnberg on Thursday, though this is believed to be related to injury, not a transfer.

Reports suggest Holding was suffering from muscle tightness ahead of the game, and he was left out as a precautionary measure.

Ed Aarons of The Guardian claimed this week that Holding is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, either permanently or on loan.

But at just over £2m, you can see why the Gunners aren’t keen to accept the offer from Besiktas.

That’s roughly the same as Arsenal bought Holding for, when he was a Bolton Wanderers 20-year-old.

Now in his peak years and after seven more years of inflation, you’d expect the defender to be worth more.