Arsenal sent mixed messages about Jurrien Timber by Virgil van Dijk and Sneijder

Arsenal target Jurrien Timber would arrive at the Emirates Stadium with mixed reviews from stars of the Netherlands’ past and present. The Gunners are closing in on a deal for Timber as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his defence this summer.

Ajax rejected a £30million bid from Arsenal earlier this month but have since received a new offer worth around £40m.

Timber has reportedly agreed terms on a five-year contract in north London as he seeks a long-linked Premier League switch.

But, aged 22, he has plenty of developing left to do, and Arsenal have been made aware of a flaw in his game that could be exposed in England.

While Timber was linked with a Manchester United move last summer, former Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder weighed in with his thoughts.

And he shared concerns about Timber’s height, especially in such a physical competition like the Premier League.

“He’s a smart lad and a really good defender. But he loses every header, and in England, against those wardrobes in the Premier League, that will be his downfall,” Sneijder predicted.

Timber also has experience playing as a right-back, and Arteta could see his future in that position rather than centrally.

But Lisandro Martinez impressively poured cold water on doubts over his height last season, thriving at United after snubbing Arsenal to follow Erik ten Hag from Ajax in a £57m deal.

And Virgil van Dijk has spoken highly of Timber’s ability, claiming he is a better player than he was at his age.