Arsenal sign defender Jurrien Timber for an initial £34m

Arsenal have signed defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax for an initial £34m, with that figure potentially rising to £38.5m.

The 22-year-old, who arrives in north London having made 120 appearances for Ajax in the last three seasons, has put pen to paper on a long-term deal.

After getting the move over the line, sporting director Edu said: "We are very happy to bring Jurrien to Arsenal.

"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.

"Jurrien is a young talented international player who fits our vision of competing with a young, strong squad.

"I know Jurrien cannot wait to get started, and we're really hoping that he will be a great success here for many years."

Manager Mikel Arteta was similarly enthusiastic, saying: "We're really excited that Jurrien has joined us.

"He is a versatile young defender who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality.

"Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it's like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad."

Technically accomplished and possessing a calm head in one-on-one situations, Timber is also adept at relieving pressure with his impressive ball-carrying and can operate as both a central defender and a right-back.

He will wear the No 12 shirt worn by William Saliba last season, with Saliba taking the vacant No 2 shirt. 

Timber is set to make his competitive debut for Arsenal on Saturday 12 August at 12.30pm at home to Nottingham Forest in what is the first Premier League match to be aired exclusively live on TNT Sports, the new name for BT Sport from Tuesday 18 July.