Football News: Arsenal 'reach verbal agreement over Jurrien Timber deal'

Arsenal are said to be close to completing a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

During the summer transfer season, the Netherlands international was extensively linked with a move to Manchester United, with the centre-back presumably set to follow Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford.

Timber eventually stayed in Amsterdam after the transfer window closed, and he signed a new contract with the Dutch giants in August, with his current terms running through June 2025.

During the 2022-23 season, the 22-year-old was in excellent form with Ajax, making 47 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and contributing two assists.

This summer, Manchester United has been connected with the Dutchman once more, while Liverpool is also thought to be keeping a close check on his current situation in the Netherlands.

However, Arsenal have suddenly emerged as the frontrunners for a player who has shown a desire to leave Ajax this summer.

The Gunners supposedly had an opening bid of around £30 million turned down.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, though, great progress has been made in the negotiations, with Arsenal now closing in on his signature.

Plettenberg further claims that a verbal agreement has already been reached, and that Bayern Munich, despite recent speculation, are not in the running for his signature.

According to the journalist, an agreement in the area of £38.7m is anticipated to be achieved, with Mikel Arteta's side set to enhance their opening offer for the defender.

Timber came via the Feyenoord junior system before joining Ajax in 2014, going through their various age levels until making his first team debut in 2019.

The Dutchman has played 121 times for his current club in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing four assists.

Timber gave the 'the green light' to a move to Arsenal last week, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, with the defender wanting to prolong his career in the Premier League.

The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League last season, are also said to be close to signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz.

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