Arsenal confirm Jurrien Timber signing from Ajax

Jurrien Timber has completed a move from Ajax to Arsenal, the Premier League club has announced.

According to Sky Sports, the Gunners will pay an initial fee of just over £34million for the centre-back on a five-year deal, with the remaining £4million payable in performance-related add-ons.

The Dutchman, who was announced via a 'BeReal' in front of a 'Welcome to Arsenal' sign, becomes the Gunners' second signing of the summer, after the £65million arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

Timber, who has made more than 120 appearances for the Ajax first team over the past three years, completed his medical and finalised personal terms earlier this week.

The versatile centre-back has 15 caps for the Netherlands and started four of their five games at the Qatar World Cup, where they were knocked out by eventual winners Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Speaking to the Arsenal website upon signing, Timber explained why he was a fan of the club, despite having grown up in Utrecht.

The 22-year-old said: “It was because of my brothers. 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.

“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.”

Arsenal's Declan Rice deal

Arsenal are also set to complete the signing of West Ham captain Declan Rice.

As per Sky Sports, West Ham have been promised the paperwork for the transfer of Rice will be signed and delivered on Friday.

The club record £105million deal was agreed over a week ago but it has not yet been signed, with West Ham allegedly becoming increasingly frustrated by the delay.

The hold-up is said to be caused by delays with paperwork being drawn up by Arsenal's lawyers.

Rice is thought to have passed his medical and has been training regularly while on holiday in Portugal. Sky Sports claim Arsenal are hopeful of completing the signing of Rice before the squad flies to the US on Sunday for a pre-season tour.