Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax this summer, and Fabrizio Romano says he’s just one of three names on our transfer shortlist – Mohamed Simakan and Edmond Tapsoba are the other two.
The priority for Mikel Arteta this summer has always been the midfield. So, it was no surprise to see us bid for Declan Rice, while Kai Havertz and Romeo Lavia are also very interesting options.
Arsenal have wanted a new defender as well since what happened with Rob Holding last season. A right-sided Oleksandr Zinchnko would be perfect for us – that’s where Timber comes in.
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Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have two defenders on their shortlist apart from Jurrien Timber
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported yesterday that Arsenal are very keen to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax this summer.
He revealed that the Gunners have tabled a bid in the region of £30 million, but the Dutch giants are looking for a figure around £50 million to let their star defender go. Ornstein feels there is optimism that a compromise will be reached between the two clubs this summer.
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Fabrizio Romano has backed the claim that Arsenal are interested in Timber. But, the Dutch defender isn’t the only one on Mikel Arteta and Edu’s transfer shortlist.
Arsenal are also looking at Mohamed Simakan of RB Leipzig and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen. The latter, however, is deemed to be too expensive.
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “We can confirm that Arsenal have a concrete interest in signing Jurrien Timber from Ajax. This is a concrete possibility. He’s on top of the list.
“Of course, Arsenal, as always, have a list of players for that position.
“This list includes Mohamed Simakan of RB Leipzig This list includes also Edmond Tapsoba, a player always appreciated by Arsenal but not a priority this summer because I’m told he’s too expensive.
“Keep an eye on Tottenham for Tapsoba because he’s one of the players they’re following since a long time. Both Arsenal and Tottenham sent their scouts to follow Tapsoba.
“But now, Arsenal are concretely working on Jurrien Timber.”
The Insider’s View:
Timber, Simakan and Tapsoba are all fantastic options for Arsenal, but if it was up to us, the Ajax star would be our pick.
The 22-year-old is a fantastic player. He can play as a right-back, at centre-half, and if needed, also in defensive midfield. He’s like a slightly inferior version of Ben White right now, but he has the potential to reach the very top in a few years’ time.
Simakan is also a similar player to Timber. He has been brilliant for RB Leipzig in recent years, but there are more limitations to his game compared to the Dutchman.
Tapsoba is a phenomenal player too, but he’s not as versatile as the other two, which makes him the least likely option among the three names for us this summer.