14 July 2023 , 18:00
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Jurrien Timber has revealed he is a lifelong Arsenal fan who grew up idolising Robin van Persie.
Timber, 22, also arrives at the Emirates with an expectation that he will fit into Arsenal's style having graduated from the Ajax school of Total Football. Holland defender Timber explained his deep-seated love for the Gunners as he 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.
"I think that I'm lucky to say that I can play as a central defender, as a right full-back, sometimes even on the midfield. So I think that's a good thing and I need to keep that.
"I just like the way Arsenal play, it is a bit similar to Ajax’s style and I like to play from the back. I can see a lot of similarities, especially in the way Arsenal and Ajax want to play."
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It was exactly those reasons which made Arsenal go for Timber because they see him as being good on the ball, versatile enough to play at right back, centre back and, also importantly, an inverted full-back who can step into midfield.
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But Timber also has experience of playing in the Champions League, on the international stage and he has great athleticism. Arsenal’s scouts also identified him as a big target because of his strength, mobility and he is tenacious who reads danger.
He also showed up in reports as being excellent in one-on-one situations and uses his speed and power to overcome opponents. His versatility means he also gives them options and cover in the event of injuries.
But Timber is also regarded as a player who can be effective going forward because, from his time at Ajax, he is strong on the ball and can break down teams even when they sit back and defend deep so gives Arsenal different options.
Timber has already played over 120 games for Ajax - including 15 in the Champions League which is important with Arsenal’s return to the competition - as well as being a key player for Holland at the last World Cup.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had long since identified Timber as a transfer target and their interest and determination to get him meant that Arsenal were able to beat off rivals from the Premier League and the rest of Europe to get their man.
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