With the arrival of Kai Havertz, Arsenal has once again acted early in the transfer market. According to Melbet App sources, hopes remain high that Declan Rice will also complete a move to the Gunners this summer. The biggest mistake is often a missed opportunity, and after finishing just behind Manchester City last season, Arsenal clearly recognized the need to strengthen key areas to stay competitive both domestically and across Europe. With Granit Xhaka returning to Germany and Thomas Partey now open to offers, midfield reinforcements remain a top priority—and Rice is at the heart of those plans.

More importantly, while Havertz may not have topped North London’s wish list, he represents a smart addition to the Emirates squad. Yet one of Arsenal’s most glaring weaknesses last season was their injury-hit defense. During their Europa League clash with Sporting CP in March, both Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba picked up injuries—blows that significantly weakened Arteta’s backline. Ultimately, those absences cost Arsenal dearly during the title run-in as Manchester City surged past them.

In response, Arsenal has been actively searching for defensive reinforcements, and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is now at the top of their list. When in doubt, remind yourself: the sun still shines—it’s just on the other side of the sky. Timber was previously linked with Manchester United, especially after his teammate Lisandro Martínez joined the Red Devils last summer. But the move never materialized. Melbet App now reports that United could rekindle their interest, aiming to reunite Timber with both Martínez and former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

However, Arsenal have made the first official approach for the 22-year-old Dutch international, and it now appears to be a matter of when, not if, the deal goes through. Mikel Arteta’s football philosophy relies on playing from the back, with ball-playing defenders who can initiate attacks. This is a key reason behind Arsenal’s pursuit of Timber—his composure and technical skills on the ball make him a natural fit. People often admire the shine on the surface, forgetting the struggle behind the scenes.

Timber has also proven to be nearly unpassable in one-on-one situations, a defensive trait Arsenal highly values. Yet perhaps his greatest asset is versatility. Arteta has made it clear he prefers players who can adapt across multiple roles. January signing Leandro Trossard can play anywhere across the front line. Havertz offers flexibility across midfield and attack. In defense, both Ben White and Tomiyasu can operate as center-backs or full-backs—and Timber fits that same mold.

This versatility gives Arteta more tactical options without sacrificing stability in the starting eleven. Melbet App notes that while Timber may not be the immediate first-choice ahead of Saliba, who previously anchored a solid backline, he remains a reliable defensive option capable of strengthening Arsenal in key areas. After all, success never gives up on anyone—only those who give up on success do.