Bayern Munich enter race for Arsenal target Jurrien Timber in potential blow for Mikel Arteta's plans

Arsenal face competition from one of the biggest clubs in Europe for the signing of Jurrien Timber.

On Tuesday it was widely reported that Arsenal had submitted a £30million bid for Ajax’s Timber.

The 22-year-old, who has just two years left on his current deal, has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United in the past.

And while personal terms will allegedly not be an issue in striking a deal, Ajax reportedly want more than the £30million Arsenal have bid for the Netherlands international.

The BBC claim Arsenal are optimistic about striking a deal. However, the Gunners will need to fight off competition from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to secure his signature.

Bayern Munich interested in Timber

According to ESPN sources, Bayern have also registered “emphatic interest” in Timber.

Indeed, Bayern have reportedly also seen an improvement in Timber’s game and are keen to sign the 15-cap Netherlands international.

Ajax however are reportedly asking for much more money for Timber than that offered by either club.

Timber has made 47 appearances in all competitions for Ajax last season, including in all six of the club’s Champions League group-stage encounters.

Furthermore, the young defender played a central role in the Amsterdam club’s Eredivisie titles in 2021 and 2022 and featured four times for his national side at last year's Qatar World Cup.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defensive depth this summer, after a season which saw the Gunners’ form sharply dip after an injury to William Saliba.

Elsewhere, the Arsenal boss is eager to rejuvenate the club’s midfield, amid the likely departures of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

The Gunners have identified Declan Rice as their No.1 summer target, while they are also interested in Southampton’s Roméo Lavia.