Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber in a deal worth up to £40million.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a versatile defender this summer and Dutch international Timber, 22, fits the bill, having the ability to play both centrally and at right-back.
It has been a busy few days for the Gunners after Kai Havertz arrival from Chelsea, while they have finally agreed a deal for West Ham skipper Declan Rice.
The two signings are set to be finalised before Arsenal report back for pre-season early next month and mark a real signal of intent from Arteta after finishing second last time out.
Timber's arrival, alongside the signing of Rice for a British-record fee, will take Arsenal's spending over the £200m mark as they bid to overhaul Manchester City next season.
Arsenal have reached an agreement with Ajax for the signing of Timber after having an opening bid of around £30m rejected last week. De Telegraaf reports Arsenal will pay an initial £36m, with a further £4m in add-ons.
He is now set to fly to England in the coming days for a medical with personal terms already agreed, with Timber doubling his current salary.
Arsenal boss Arteta saw his side's title hopes fade away in the final few weeks of the season, which coincided with the loss of William Saliba to injury. Rob Holding and Jakub Kiwior deputised but could not replicate the form of the Frenchman, who impressed in his first campaign in the Premier League.
It left Arteta searching for additions with Timber also likely to battle Ben White for the right-back slot, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich having been keen on the Dutchman's services this summer.
Arsenal will now tie up Rice's £105m arrival at the Emirates after agreeing a deal in principle with West Ham. Manchester City had been in the running for the England international but have exited the race and given Arsenal a free hit.
Arteta will look to move on a number of squad players with more big-name arrivals unlikely for the time being. Holding is attracting interest from Turkey while Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Eddie Nketiah could be among those to depart.
