Transfer: Arsenal agree £40m deal for Jurrien Timber

Arsenal have struck a deal to sign Ajax defender, Jurrien Timber, according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The Gunners have been locked in talks with the Dutch side over a fee.

But were always confident of reaching a compromise, with Timber having a gentleman’s agreement that he can leave this summer.

The Gunners will pay a €42million (£36m) fixed fee plus a further €5m (£4m) in add-ons.

Timber has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year contract and will undergo a medical in the coming days before the transfer is officially announced.

Although currently on holiday, the 22-year-old will fly to England for his medical tests and to conduct media duties before his unveiling.

Timber came close to moving to the Premier League last summer but ultimately decided to snub a move to Manchester United over fears it might negatively impact his hopes of being included in Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad.

But he is now extremely excited to make the move to the Emirates and, after speaking to Mikel Arteta, made the Gunners his first-choice destination.