Arsenal submit £30m bid for long-term Manchester United target

Arsenal have stepped up efforts to bring in a versatile and technically secure defender for Mikel Arteta, submitting a proposal worth around £30m for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber.

Arteta has been keen on adding a player capable of stepping into midfield from right-back this summer. Arsenal have been also on the lookout for a reliable cover for William Saliba on the back of a disappointing end to the season. The Frenchman’s injury played a big role in Arsenal falling short to Manchester City in the title race.

In Timber, the North London side would be signing a defender almost tailor-made for the aforementioned requirements.

Arsenal working on signing Manchester United target

However, there’s still a long way to go in this pursuit. Arsenal’s opening bid falls short of Ajax’s demands. The Eredivisie outfit are seeking in the region of £50m for Timber, as per The Athletic. Personal terms with the Dutchman, who has two years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam, are understood to be in place.

There’s optimism a compromise can be reached between Ajax and Arsenal, but Arteta’s side should be wary of dragging out negotiations considering Erik ten Hag’s interest in Timber.

The Ajax star was Ten Hag’s first-choice defensive target in his maiden transfer window in the Premier League. With United in the market for a new right-sided centre-back this summer, it won’t surprise many if the former Ajax boss manages to snatch Timber from under the nose of Arsenal.

Last summer, Lisandro Martinez was Arteta’s preferred pick for the left-back position. The Argentina international was the subject of two bids from Arsenal, but he ultimately landed at Old Trafford due to his desire to reunite with Ten Hag.