Oleksandr Zinchenko has now shared his verdict on Jurrien Timber and what the new Arsenal signing can offer manager Mikel Arteta after sealing a transfer from AFC Ajax.
The Gunners moved to improve Arteta’s defensive options with a transfer for Timber in July. Ajax agreed to sell the 22-year-old for an initial €40m (£34m) fee after Arsenal offered €5m (£4.5m) in future add-ons. While the Dutch enforcer also agreed to sign a five-year contract.
Timber gives Arteta depth at centre-half and full-back as the Arsenal coach tries to integrate greater fluidity to their backline. He has already played as a right-back and a left-back during pre-season. Timber stepped in on the left with Zinchenko still recovering from his calf injury.
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Timber impressed in place of Zinchenko as Arsenal beat Monaco
Zinchenko could miss a reunion with Manchester City on Sunday with Arteta juggling a batch of injury concerns ahead of the Community Shield. But the Arsenal coach may, possibly, rest easy after Timber shone as a left-back against Monaco in the Emirates Cup this Wednesday.
Timber occupied Zinchenko’s inverted full-back role for Arsenal perfectly as they edged Les Monegasques 5-4 on penalties. He regularly drifted into the midfield as Arteta relished from Zinchenko last season. The Dutchman particularly stood out given the left is his weaker side.
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What has Zinchenko said about Timber after his transfer from Ajax?
Each passing moment that Timber plays in an Arsenal jersey makes his transfer from Ajax an all-the-more impressive signing by Arteta. He has seemingly adapted to the Spaniard’s plans straight away during pre-season. But competitive games will present a far greater challenge.
Not that Zinchenko is worried, having bestowed his new Arsenal teammate with vivid praise for what Timber can give Arteta. The Ukraine left-back has also suggested the Ajax academy product may even be the superior player between the two of them despite his own abilities.
Zinchenko told Arsenal’s in-house media: “I do know about him because I watched him and followed the way he played at Ajax. Also, I played against him for the national team.
“So, I know about him as a player – what amazing qualities he has – and, now, I know him off the pitch. He’s a great guy, another incredible signing for Arsenal who will help us a lot.
“Maybe he is [a similar type of player] but maybe better than me. I’m sure he is 100% going to show us what he can do and will really help us.”
Arteta only signed Zinchenko from Manchester City last July for an initial £30m, rising up to £32m with add-ons. The defender proved to be a very shrewd transfer for Arsenal when fit. He instantly gave Arteta a better option than Kieran Tierney for their inverted full-back role.