Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has emerged as a key transfer target for Arsenal this summer, and there has been a series of hints suggesting he is keen on a move to the Emirates.
The Netherlands international has been the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United following an impressive season in the Eredivise.
According to multiple reports, the Gunners launched a £30 million bid for Timber on Monday evening. However, Ajax are expected to reject the offer, believing the 22-year-old to be worth significantly more.
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It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will return with an improved offer, or if they will wait to discover his release clause which is set to become active later this month.
Either way, Mikel Arteta is unlikely to encounter any problems when negotiating personal terms, with the feeling in Timber's camp seemingly mutual, following a series of hints linking him with a move to north London.
Let's take a look at each one individually.
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Timber's brother confirms Arsenal's interest
Timber's twin brother Quinten, who is also a professional footballer admitted there was interest from Arsenal.
Speaking to Dutch news outlet NOS, Feyenoord midfielder Quinten confirmed Arsenal's interest but revealed he knew little else about any potential deal.
"I don't know if there was an offer," said Timber, who is currently away on international duty with the Netherlands at the U21 European Championships.
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When asked if his brother would play for Ajax again, he responded: "I don't know. At least he's not in London right now."
Timber and his agent spotted in London
Dutch publication De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness) claimed that Timber was in London, alongside members of his management group Forza Sports Group, his mother, and brother Quinten.
However, the trip allegedly had nothing to fo with the Gunners. Instead, the 22-year-old was at Wembley to watch the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United.
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Timber's girlfriend house-hunting in the UK
Back in April, Timber's girlfriend was allegedly spotted house-hunting in the UK ahead of his potential move to the Premier League.
Dutch television show Veronica Offside claimed Timber's partner was viewing at houses in Liverpool when the defender was was being linked with a move to Anfield.
But with a move to Arsenal now looking more likely, she may need to adjust her search to north London.
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Timber’s agent spotted in Arsenal jacket
Photos have emerged of Timber and his agent, Coffie, watching older brother Dylan Timber play for Jong Utrecht's against Venlo on May 19.
The three posed for a photo, with Coffie notably wearing a red Arsenal jacket displaying the traditional Gunners' cannon.
Timber’s agent likes tweet about Kai Havertz
Eagle-eyed Gunners fans spotted another hint over Timber's future on Thursday.
One of Timber's representatives, Christopher Coffie, added fuel to speculation linking Timber with a move to the Emirates after he liked an Instagram post from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The post from Romano included his iconic 'here we go' catchphrase to confirm Havertz's move to Arsenal this summer.
Timber deletes cryptic tweet
On this occasion, Timber put his own foot in it. The defender posted and then quickly deleted a one-word tweet on Thursday.
The tweet simply read 'thanks', leaving Gunners and Ajax supporters alike questioning what he meant.
It is not clear if the tweet was posted in relation to Arsenal's bid for him or if it was simply an error.
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Ajax
Joe Adams