Arsenal thunder in with improved bid for ‘elite passer’ who’ll put £50m signing at risk; personal terms agreed

Arsenal have lodged a second bid to sign a player who has already agreed personal terms with the club, and who he’s likely to force out of the starting eleven has been revealed.

The Gunners are aiming high this summer, with moves for Jurrien Timber, two midfielders including Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz all wanted.

Regarding Timber, the 22-year-old has already struck an agreement over personal terms with the club, according to Fabrizio Romano. A five-year deal will be signed all being well.

The Dutch international can operate at either right-back or centre-half and was courted by Man Utd last summer.

Timber elected to remain with Ajax for at least one more season. However, fast forward to present day and the time to take the next step is looming.

Indeed, Arsenal saw an opening bid worth £30m knocked back by Ajax last week. The Amsterdam club are understood to be seeking closer to £50m for the defender, per the Athletic.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed a second and improved bid has been made. Talks between Arsenal and Ajax are reportedly “advancing” and the bid is believed to be worth between €45m-€48m (approx. £38.5m-£41m).

The Gunners hope to wrap up the move this week and with personal terms agreed, all that remains is a compromise on the transfer fee and a medical.

Timber to oust Ben White?

When speaking about Arsenal’s proposed move for Timber, BBC Sport pundit, Neil Taylor, suggested it’ll be Ben White who is put at risk if Timber signs.

Like Timber, White also operates at either right-back or centre-half. White was a £50m signing from Brighton two summers ago and Mikel Arteta has always found a place in his backline for the 25-year-old.

However, according to Taylor, Timber’s “elite” passing game could give Timber the edge and thus relegate White to the bench.

“Today, they’re [Arsenal] looking to sign a fantastic 22-year-old Timber at centre-half,” said Taylor on the Football Daily Podcast.

“And you think he’s a great player, he’s going to come in and do really well and compete with Ben White.”

The former Swansea defender added: “Already a senior international for the Netherlands, Timber gives the Gunners key cover at right-back and centre-back. He’s an elite passer and very comfortable with the ball at his feet.”

Taylor then suggested Timber might be in for an immediate shock given the quality gap between the Eredivisie and Premier League.

However, Taylor is sure the time for Timber to take the next step in his career is right here and now.

“He’ll have a tougher time in the Premier League, but now is the right moment in his career to test himself at the highest level,” concluded Taylor.

READ MORE: Man Utd accelerate move for France international with Arsenal transfer to quickly follow