Jurrien Timber urged to join Arsenal ahead of Manchester United by former Ajax team-mate

Jurrien Timber has been urged to join Arsenal ahead of Manchester United by former Ajax team-mate Urby Emanuelsen.

Timber has been linked with a move to United and almost joined the club last summer. The Dutch defender worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax previously.

Arsenal have bid for Timber's services with United yet to make their move with the future of Harry Maguire uncertain. Ajax are said to be holding out for £50million whilst the Gunners have offered £30m.

In the view of Emanuelson, Timber would be better served moving to the Emirates because of their core of young talent. Mikel Arteta has built a reputation of developing players with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Ben White all flourishing.

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"Timber has had a few good years," Emanuelson told Sport Witness. "Maybe a little less last season, but in my opinion, he is a very great talent.

"I know that the Timber family is very good at planning the careers of the brothers. On the one hand, I think Jur is ready for the step. On the other hand, if you’ve had a lesser season at Ajax … I find it difficult to advise him.

"I would choose Arsenal. Why? They treat young players very well there.

"If you see how they deal with [Gabriel] Martinelli, [Martin] Odegaard, [Bukayo] Saka … They are all guys who are allowed to make mistakes and are made important at the same time.

"(He) has the potential to become the absolute top. That’s why Arsenal would be a good step. Arsenal is growing, they will build on that."