Mikel Arteta told what to expect from Jurrien Timber as defender looks to kickstart Arsenal career

Life at Arsenal could not have started any worse for Jurrien Timber, but looking ahead to the next campaign, the Dutchman can finally make the full desired impact.

Arriving from Ajax in a £38m transaction, the Gunners saw the deal as a truly brilliant addition to Mikel Arteta's defensive line - not only for the future but straight away. Pre-season promise was seen as he displayed his capabilities in all defensive positions, but then came that devastating ACL injury during the season opener against Nottingham Forest.

Nine months on the sidelines followed - a torment no footballer should endure but is ultimately part of the parcel - before an eventual return to warm Emirates Stadium reception in the closing 21 minutes of the campaign against Everton.

The 22-year-old has the summer ahead to continue his recovery to reach 100 percent once again, at which point he will have the opportunity of a clean slate - a chance to restart his Arsenal career from the ground up. Arteta will know exactly what he is to get from the Dutchman, but in case a second reference was required, then look no further than Under-21s goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo.

"Playing alongside Jurrien Timber in the Blackburn and Liverpool U21 games was brilliant," he described to the club the opportunity to recently line up alongside the Ajax academy product.

"His leadership on the pitch and his exceptional play highlighted the step up from under-21 level to the first team. His ability to keep possession, communicate effectively and his overall performance showcased the standard required at the highest level.

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"It was a valuable experience to share the pitch with him, as it provided us with a clear perspective on the levels we must strive to reach to break into the first team."

Adding such a talent to what is already the Premier League's most watertight defence, having conceded only 29 goals in 38 matches last season, should be an exciting prospect for Gunners who are still reeling from 2023/24 title misery. As long as that form continues and Timber can quickly match those levels, Arsenal need not worry about the question of how to improve.