Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has backed Mikel Arteta’s plan to convert Jurrien Timber into a right-back.
Timber has played the majority of his football at centre-half, but Arteta is understood to see the 22-year-old’s future at full-back.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu offer Arteta alternative options in that role, but Timber is likely to be pushing for a first team role this season.
Timber underwent a medical on Friday and is expected to be confirmed as the north London club’s second major signing of the summer imminently.
Jurrien Timber has completed his arsenal medical (Picture: Getty)
The Holland international’s lack of stature and aerial ability has been questioned by some sceptics, but Stam is confident the elegant defender will thrive in Arteta’s tactical set-up.
‘He can play there, he has for Ajax, he’s even played as a holding midfield player, same like Martinez did at Ajax as well,’ Stam told CharlesWatts.football.
‘On the right side he can play very well, he’s been playing there in Holland as well. Again, when you’re a player with that pace and that comfortable on the ball and having the intention to go forward, clever in taking up his position as well it’s good to bring him in and play him on the right side as well.
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‘I’m not surprised on the intentions of bringing him in and maybe playing him on that side is going to happen.’
Arsenal have already confirmed the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea and the Germany international is due to meet his new teammates when he begins pre-season training next week.
The Gunners are also on the brink of confirming they have broken their transfer record after Declan Rice underwent the first part of his medical on Friday.
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‘I’m not surprised on the intentions.’