Arsenal target Jurrien Timber 'misses training' with Ajax

Arsenal target Jurrien Timber has missed training with Ajax amid speculation over a transfer, according to a new report.

The Gunners are keen on signing the Netherlands centre-back this summer, with The Athletic's David Ornstein reporting last month that they had submitted an opening proposal of £30 million to sign him.

Ajax were said to want £50 million by Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, although talks have advanced since then and the Daily Mail claim that both sides have reached a verbal agreement on a deal initially worth £40 million.

The 22-year-old could be announced as a Gunners player this week should all formalities be completed, the above report adds.

It is claimed that a medical has been scheduled for the Dutchman, and he will play in the Premier League for the first time if the deal does go through.

Now, there has been another hint that a move is indeed close.

Timber 'misses Ajax training'

According to Tribal Football, Timber was not present at Ajax training on Monday morning for the squad's first session of pre-season.

It is claimed that the Dutchman has been training at the Amsterdam ArenA, but this was in preparation for an Arsenal medical, and he was not part of the session with the rest of the squad.

That will only serve to fuel speculation that the completion of a move to the Emirates Stadium is imminent, and his absence could potentially be due to both clubs wanting to safeguard the deal.

It was spotted by an Arsenal Twitter account called Gunners that tours of the Emirates Stadium were due to close on Monday at 1pm, with 'club activity' around the ground given as the reason.

The stadium will also close on Saturday, July 8 for the same reason - with speculation abound that Rice and Timber could be completing media duties on those days ahead of their signings being officially announced by the club.