Liverpool could still hijack Arsenal’s bid to sign £52m defender, it isn’t done yet – journalist

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There’s still a chance that Liverpool could interrupt Arsenal’s bid to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

Timber has been rumoured to be on Liverpool’s radar since the beginning of the summer. But in recent days, Arsenal appear to have jumped clear of them in the queue to sign the Dutchman.

Although confirming that to be the case, journalist Graeme Bailey told 90min’s Talking Transfers Podcast that the Reds – and Manchester United – could still ‘get involved’ in the bidding.

“We know Manchester United have looked very closely at him [Timber],” said the journalist. “I’m amazed they haven’t gone stronger for him, I think he’s a perfect fit at Old Trafford, he can play that role at right-back as well. I wouldn’t rule out United and Liverpool getting involved in this. But as it stands, Arsenal have come in at €35m, Ajax want €60m [£52m] to get the deal done.

“It’s got a bit of legs in it left this one, it’s not a done deal. But Arsenal have made the first shot across the bows of Ajax.”

Arsenal make first Timber move

Arsenal’s move to sign Timber wasn’t necessarily completely out of the blue. The Ajax man has been intimating for a number of weeks that he expects to change clubs this summer. Back in the Champions League, isn’t a huge surprise that the Gunners are moving themselves to the front of the queue.

But nevertheless, they weren’t seen as one of the front-runners in weeks gone by. As Bailey suggests, Liverpool and especially United looked more interested.

This is the transfer market though, and things tend to happen without warning.

In fairness to Arsenal, they are showing the kind of ambition that Liverpool fans would like to see from their club.

Over the past few days they’ve made concrete moves for Timber and Declan Rice, whilst also trying to hammer out a deal for Kai Havertz.

Reported Liverpool target Romeo Lavia is another player who seems likely to join them, as Mikel Arteta goes hell for leather.

By contrast, Jurgen Klopp and the Reds are – as per usual – being a little cautious. Getting Alexis Mac Allister through the door is obviously a great bit of business, but we need much more, and it’s all a little quiet. Perhaps Arsenal will jolt them into action where Timber is concerned. But we wouldn’t put money on it.