Arsenal sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax in deal reportedly worth up to €45M

Arsenal bolstered their defense Friday with the signing of Jurrien Timber.

The 22-year-old joined from Ajax in a deal reportedly worth an initial €40 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

"He is a versatile young defender who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after the Dutch international signed a long-term contract.

Timber, who will wear No. 12 for the Gunners, mostly played at center-back for Ajax last term but also appeared at right-back during his 121 outings for the Amsterdam club. He won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup with Ajax.

Timber has also earned 15 Netherlands caps.

"He is a player that we have admired for a long time, so it's a credit to everyone in our team that made this happen," said sporting director Edu.

Timber is Arsenal's second arrival of the summer after the £65-million signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea. Declan Rice is widely expected to follow the pair to the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners reportedly agreed to pay West Ham United up to £105 million for his services, but the deal has been held up for unknown reasons.