Jurrien Timber shirt number and contract length revealed as Arsenal confirm signing of Netherlands star

Arsenal have announced the arrival of versatile defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax, with the player agreeing a five-year contract at the Emirates.

Timber is a product of the famed Ajax academy. He went on to make 121 appearances in the Ajax first team, helping them win two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch cup.

Timber’s impressive performances for Ajax, both at centre-back and right-back, resulted in interest from Liverpool. And Manchester United have been keeping tabs on him ever since his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag arrived as their new manager.

But Arsenal beat those two clubs to Timber recently by reaching an agreement with Ajax. And, after a slight delay, Mikel Arteta’s side have now confirmed Timber’s signing.

As per Sky Sports, his contract will run for five years and is designed to keep him in north London until June 2028.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Arsenal will pay an initial €40million (£34.2m) for the Netherlands international, though the deal could rise to €45m (£38.5m) as a result of add-ons.

Timber will wear the number 12 shirt for Arsenal next season. Centre-back William Saliba wore the jersey last term but is now expected to pick up the number two shirt.

When asked about Timber’s capture, Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “We are very happy to bring Jurrien to Arsenal. He is a player that we have admired for a long time, so it’s a credit to everyone in our team that made this happen.

Edu, Arteta react to Jurrien Timber move

“Jurrien is a young talented international player, who fits our vision of competing with a young strong squad. I know Jurrien cannot wait to get started and we’re really hoping that he will be a great success here for many years.”

Arteta added: “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.

“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. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”

Timber becomes Arsenal’s second summer signing, following the arrival of German forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea. Arsenal will soon announce the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham, too. His transfer has been delayed, but the minor issues have now been ironed out.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are being tipped to land another new defender in addition to Timber.