Mikel Arteta planning new position for Jurrien Timber which could transform Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is reportedly planning a new position for Jurrien Timber, as the Ajax defender edges closer to a move to Arsenal.

The Gunners are keen on signing Timber, with Arteta eager to bolster his back line in preparation for a busy Champions League schedule next season.

After seeing a £30 million bid for the 22-year-old rejected earlier this month, the north London side have submitted an improved offer worth £41.5m on Tuesday, according to The Sun.

The new bid still falls short of Ajax's £50 million valuation, but Timber is thought to be pushing for a move to Arsenal, having allegedly agreed personal terms over a five-year deal worth around £130,000 per week.

While the Dutchman has dropped a series of hints regarding a move to the Emirates, including when he posted a song by American rapper ‘Gunna’.

And Arteta is already planning a new role for the defender, it has been claimed.

Arteta planning new position for Timber

Timber is capable of playing both in the heart of defence and at right-back, having played the role for the Netherlands national team previously.

According to The Telegraph, "Arteta and sporting director Edu believe 22-year-old Timber is capable of playing as an inverted right-back, tucking into midfield when Arsenal have possession."

Oleksandr Zinchenko played a similar role for the Gunners last season, and the club are keen to to do the same with Timber next term.

In the meantime, Arsenal are working on completing a deal for Declan Rice after Manchester City withdrew from the race to sign him on Wednesday.

Kai Havertz is also on the list and on the brink of completing a £65m move from Chelsea.