Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Dutch defender Jurrien Timber after sending in a second bid for the 22-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners have penciled down Timber as their preferred option to provide defensive cover and made an initial approach for him with a bid of £30m, which was outrightly rejected by Ajax.

Following the rejection, Arsenal have returned with a second bid of £39-41m for the versatile defender and are expected to wrap up negotiations with Ajax this week as they look to find a middle ground, according to Romano.

Timber has agreed personal terms with the Gunners and has a contract which will be valid until 2028 in place, once the deal is concluded between both teams.

Arsenal set to sign one of Dutch football’s best defenders in Jurrien Timber

Timber is a highly-rated defender in Dutch football for his brilliant reading of the game and technical proficiency. The Ajax man is also very versatile as he can play as a centre-back in a back three or back four, and can also play as a right-back.

EXCL: Arsenal have submitted second official proposal to Ajax in order to get Jurrien Timber deal done this week. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC

Talks advancing between clubs after £30m opening bid rejected.

Personal terms agreed last week on five yeae contract. pic.twitter.com/xqs3ydWhOQ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2023

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta targeted right-backs Sacha Boey and Timothy Castagne earlier this summer, but neither of them can give his side the needed balance that Timber can. The manager bemoaned the role of injuries in ending his side’s title chase last season, and a player like Timber who can play in a number of positions is ideal for him.

Netherlands international Timber turned down a move to Manchester United last summer but is ready to make the move this season to Arsenal after another year of development.