The Gunners have added a new defender to their ranks ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been off to a busy start as they aim to strengthen their squad after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season.
The Gunners’ newest signing is Jurrien Timber, who has joined the Gunners from Ajax on a £40m deal. Now that Timber is officially an Arsenal player, the question arises: where will he fit into the team’s backline?
Who is Jurrien Timber?
At just 22 years old, Timber has already made over 100 appearances for Ajax and earned 15 caps for the Netherlands. He is highly regarded for his composure on the ball and technical ability, traits that make him a valuable asset for possession-based teams like Arsenal. His passing accuracy and ability to retain possession could make him a crucial player in the Gunners’ style of play.
While Timber’s strengths lie in his technical skills, he does face some challenges. Standing at 182cm tall, he may struggle in one-on-one situations, particularly against physical center-forwards. He can also be targeted with aerial balls, especially when covering the back post as a full-back. However, Timber’s pace allows him to recover quickly from any errors he may make.
£40m for a backup?
One potential role for Timber in the Arsenal team is as a backup for William Saliba, who suffered a back injury last season, derailing Arsenal’s title charge. Timber could provide a significant upgrade over Rob Holding in Saliba’s absence. Both Timber and Saliba share similarities in their playing style, preferring simplicity in their approach and acting as sources of attacking moves from the back.
A new right back?
Additionally, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a history of converting central defenders into full-backs, as seen with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Timber’s versatility allows him to play in that position as well, having been deployed at right-back several times during his career.
Despite Timber’s arrival, White and Tomiyasu should not be too concerned about their starting positions. White was a regular starter for Arsenal last season and performed admirably, earning the trust of Arteta. Furthermore, Timber’s addition gives Arteta the option to experiment with a back three formation if desired, which could provide opportunities for all three players to feature.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Arsenal
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
