Arsenal 'preparing second bid for Jurrien Timber'

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to submit a second bid for Jurrien Timber.

With the Gunners set to return to the Champions League next season, Mikel Arteta is looking to build a side that can compete on both domestic and European fronts.

The Arsenal boss has seemingly identified central defence as an area that needs strengthening during the summer transfer window.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were utilised as Arteta's first-choice centre-back pairing last season, but the Gunners struggled to cope without the injured Saliba in the closing months of the season.

The Gunners have identified Timber as a potential option, and they recently stepped up their pursuit with a £30m bid.

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However, their initial offer fell well below Ajax's asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £50m.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are now set to return to the negotiating table with a fresh offer.

Although it is currently unclear how much Arsenal will offer, they are expected to submit a second bid in the near future.

Timber is seemingly open to a move to the Emirates Stadium after giving Arsenal the "green light" to proceed in their pursuit.

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A recent report claimed that the Dutchman is keen to move to Arsenal despite also receiving interest from German champions Bayern Munich.

Arteta views Timber as a priority target for the summer transfer window, and his versatility would certainly be useful to the Arsenal boss.

The 22-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has been predominately used as a central defender in his career, but he is also comfortable operating as a right-back.

After spending time in Feyenoord's youth system, Timber joined Ajax's academy in 2014 and he worked his way through the ranks before making his senior debut in March 2020.

The Netherlands international has gone on to make 121 appearances for the first team, chipping in with six goals and four assists.