24 June 2023 , 21:30
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Jurrien Timber believes he has a verbal agreement with Ajax that will allow him to join Arsenal.
The Dutch defender turned his back on a move to Manchester United last summer on the understanding that the Amsterdam club would allow him a dream move to the Premier League this year.
Ajax did not want Timber to leave after losing coach Erik ten Hag and Brazilian winger Antony to United after seeing a host of key players also depart.
Holland’s boss Louis van Gaal also warned the 22-year–old that moving to Old Trafford would seriously damage his chances of going to the World Cup. Timber wants to be rewarded for his loyalty by being allowed to join Arsenal.
The Gunners are set to increase their initial £30 million offer this week after German giants Bayern Munich registered their interest with Ajax. The Dutch club value Timber at £52 million - but the player has set his heart on moving to the Emirates.
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He is flattered by Bayern’s overtures but has seen former Ajax team-mates Ryan Gravenberch, Daley Blind and Noussair Mazraoui all struggle to make an impact after joining the Bundesliga champions over the course of the last 12 months.
If Bayern come up with a significantly bigger offer than Arsenal then Timber will have a tough decision to make. Despite Ajax’s promises, the Dutch club do not want to lose a player they believe can be at the heart of their own rebuild.
They have failed to qualify for the Champions League after winning three Eredivisie titles. And, ironically, the man tasked with strengthening Ajax’s squad is former Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.
Jurrien Timber believes has has a verbal agreement with Ajax to join Arsenal (Getty Images)Mislintat is now the Amsterdam club’s technical director and has been playing hardball in negotiations. But Timber is excited by the prospect of helping turn Arsenal into champions and living in London.
He decided to reject the chance to join United because Ten Hag was taking over at a club that appeared to be in crisis. But Mikel Arteta’s young team pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race. Timber feels he is a natural winner.
He said: “We failed to win the title this year - and when that happens as an Ajax player, you have to feel ashamed. That is not a usual thing for Ajax and it is not usual for me. All through my career, right from the youth academy, I have been used to winning titles.
“We have been brought up in an atmosphere of fighting for trophies and that is what I want. But everything that has happened in my career, including the year when I didn't win the league, has made me stronger and has made me more convinced that I am a leader. Definitely.”