Classy gesture from Edu spotted as Jurrien Timber completes Arsenal move

A classy Edu Gaspar gesture was spotted as Jurrien Timber completed his move to Arsenal.

On Friday, the Gunners announced the signing of Timber from Ajax on a five-year deal for a fee in the region of £38million.

Arsenal will reportedly pay an initial £34million for the Netherlands international, with the rest predicated on the Netherlands international’s performance.

The 22-year-old, who has been capped by his country on 15 occasions, can operate in the centre of defence and at right-back.

"We're really excited Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

"Jurrien is a young player but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it's like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad."

Edu Gaspar’s classy gesture

In footage provided by Arsenal, which can be viewed above, sporting director Edu gave Timber and his family a warm welcome as their flight landed.

The Brazilian then provided all of Timber’s travelling party with Arsenal kits, on behalf of the club.

The gesture will mean a lot to Timber and his brother, both of whom are Gooners, despite having grown up in Utrecht.

"They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club," Timber told the club website.

"I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players."

Timber, who has been a long-term target for Arsenal, is the second signing of the summer following the £65million arrival of Kai Havertz.

A £105million deal to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice is also thought to be imminent, with the club hoping to announce the move before Sunday when they head on a pre-season tour.

Topics: Football, Transfers, Premier League, Arsenal, Jurrien Timber, Ajax

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.