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Jurrien Timber is putting in extra work over the summer in order to impress new manager Mikel Arteta with the defender's move from Ajax to Arsenal looking set to be completed within the coming days.
It is understood that a deal worth €42million (£36million) has been agreed between the two clubs. Completion of the transfer has been delayed until July so that it counts towards the 2023/24 season in order to stay within the rules of Financial Fair Play.
According to Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, the 22-year-old has already returned to training with Ajax ahead of schedule in order to make sure he arrives in north London in the best possible shape, ready to compete in the Premier League.
Timber wasn't required for another few weeks having been involved with the Netherlands squad that participated in the Nations League finals but decided to cut his holiday short having not played against either Croatia or Italy.
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In fairness, the versatile defender had had already enjoyed some time off before reporting for international duty after his club campaign with Ajax ended in late May with a 3-1 defeat to FC Twente.
Arsenal players are expected back at London Colney next week with their first pre-season fixture against Nurnberg scheduled for 13 July before the whole squad flies out to the USA for a tour which sees them take on the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
Timber will have his work cut out for him upon his arrival at Arsenal with numerous Gunners defenders having excellent seasons last year.
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William Saliba's injury was a major blow but the Frenchman is expected to sign a new deal whilst Ben White was also particularly impressive as Arteta's side fell at the final hurdle in the Premier League title race.
The Spaniard will undoubtedly be using last season's shortcoming as inspiration for his squad to go again and give their all to finally lift the Premier League title at the end of the season.
Topics: Ajax, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Football
Dan Hargraves