Arsenal sign defender Timber from Ajax

Arsenal have signed Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber on a long-term contract from Ajax Amsterdam, both clubs said on Friday.

Arsenal did not specify the length of the contract, with British media reporting he has signed a five-year deal.

"Ajax and the English club agreed on a €40-million transfer fee. That amount can increase to €45 million through variables," Ajax said in a statement.

Timber started his youth career at Feyenoord, moving to Ajax's youth academy in 2014.

Jurrien Timber x Arsenal: Written in the stars ?? https://t.co/tYutl2vbyN

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 14, 2023

He broke into the first team in the 2019-20 season, before making 50 league appearances across Ajax's Eredevisie-winning campaigns in 2021 and 2022.

The 22-year-old has been capped 15 times by the Netherlands since his debut in 2021.

"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 in a statement.

"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."

The Arsenal family continues to grow ?? pic.twitter.com/VovE3Zt24J

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 14, 2023

Arsenal finished second behind champions Manchester City last season, and have qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.

The north London club have signed German forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea and are also looking to strengthen their midfield with West Ham United's Declan Rice among the main targets.