Arsenal Set To Hijack Manchester United Target After Holding ‘Secret Talks’ In London

Arsenal is reportedly confident in their pursuit of Jurrien Timber from Ajax, as the versatile defender has expressed his desire to join the Gunners.

Although the 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester United over the past year and remains a target for his former manager Erik ten Hag, Timber has made it clear that his preference lies with Arsenal.

Rumors surrounding a potential renewed effort from Manchester United to sign the Dutch international gained traction when Timber was spotted attending the all-Manchester FA Cup final at Wembley earlier this month.

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However, speculation that United were ready to make a renewed effort to sign the Netherlands international intensified earlier this month when Timber was spotted attending the all-Manchester FA Cup final at Wembley.

As it transpires, however, Timber was in London with his agent to conduct negotiations with Arsenal, according to De Telegraaf.

While Arsenal’s initial offer of £30 million was rejected by Ajax, the Gunners are determined to secure the services of Timber and are preparing an improved bid, confident that an agreement can be reached.

Jurrien Timber

Although Bayern Munich has shown interest in Timber, the player’s strong preference is reportedly Arsenal, with the club nearing an agreement over personal terms.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, is keen on adding Timber to his defensive options due to his ability to excel in both center-half and right-back positions.

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While Ben White made the right-back position his own last season, injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba saw Thomas Partey fill in.

Although Tomiyasu and Saliba are expected to return in time for the start of the season, Arteta is looking to bolster his options in that area, particularly with the potential departures of Cedric Soares and Rob Holding.

Timber’s impressive ball-playing skills and passing range align perfectly with Arteta’s vision for a progressive style of play, and the Arsenal manager has been keen on adding another full-back to the squad with qualities similar to Oleksandr Zinchenko.

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Despite facing rejections from both Chelsea and West Ham for their respective targets, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, Arsenal remains confident in their pursuit of securing these signings.

The Gunners have not been deterred by the rejected bids and are determined to bring Havertz and Rice to the Emirates Stadium.