Arsenal has identified Ajax and Dutch footballer, Jurrien Timber as their top target to strengthen their defence for next season. The Athletic reported that while Arsenal tabled a £30 million offer to sign Jurrien Timber, Ajax wants a £50 million fee for the versatile defender.
Jurrien Timber playing for Ajax. Source: Getty The 22-year-old Netherlands international is keen on the move but the clubs are yet to reach an agreement on his valuation, with Ajax demanding more than £30m. RB Leipzig’s Mo Simakan is also on Arsenal’s list as Mikel Arteta pushes to reinforce a backline that struggled in April during William Saliba’s absence, conceding 11 goals in four games against Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, and Manchester City as the team fell away in the title race. Simakan, who is 23 but part of the France Under-21 squad at the Euros that begins today, June 21, can play as centre-back or right-back. Timber is more of a specialist central defender, although he has been used as a right-back before this season. Arsenal will continue talks to try to secure Jurrien Timber, who had also been targeted by Manchester United and former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag. 
Jurrien Timber pictured on duty with the Netherlands this month. Source: Getty Arsenal are also attempting to buy the midfielders Declan Rice and Roméo Lavia and had an £80m offer for Rice rejected by West Ham last week. Arsenal intends to move quickly to secure Rice, with Manchester City monitoring the situation as they await a decision from Ilkay Gündogan on whether he will extend his stay. Arsenal are in negotiations with Southampton and Lavia’s camp over the Belgium international. Manchester United are also interested but their priority is to land Mason Mount from Chelsea, who are keeping an eye on Lavia’s situation. Manchester City, the 19-year-old’s previous club, would get a percentage of any fee and have a £40m buyback clause next summer if he stays at Southampton. Timber made 47 appearances in all competitions for Ajax last season, including all six of their games in the Champions League group stage. He helped the Amsterdam side to win the Eredivisie title in 2021 and 2022. He has 15 caps for the Netherlands, playing in four of their 2022 World Cup matches as the Dutch reached the quarter-finals.
