Arsenal return to Premier League duty on Saturday as they welcome West Ham United to the Emirates, but news has emerged that one of their standout players this season was the subject of serious interest from abroad just a few months ago.
Mikel Arteta’s side come into the London derby on the back of a comfortable 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiakos, and they remain firmly in the title picture — sitting second in the league, just two points behind Liverpool.
However, reports now reveal that a major Bundesliga club attempted to prise away one of Arsenal’s most in-form defenders during the summer transfer window.
According to The Daily Briefing via CaughtOffside, Bayern Munich held talks over a possible move for Jurrien Timber before the season began. The German champions are said to have made contact to explore a deal, while another unnamed European club also showed interest.
Timber, 24, joined the Gunners from Ajax in 2023 but saw his debut campaign derailed by a serious knee injury suffered on the opening weekend. After spending most of last season on the sidelines, he has returned with real impact.
Now fully fit, the Dutchman has become a key figure in Arteta’s side, making 59 appearances in all competitions since his arrival. His versatility — able to operate at right-back or centre-back — has made him invaluable, and his early-season form has only underlined that. Timber has already scored twice in six Premier League outings this term.
Despite Bayern’s approach, Arsenal were never open to negotiations. Timber is under contract until the summer of 2028, and talks over an improved deal are said to be progressing smoothly. As it stands, there is little expectation he will be leaving the club anytime soon.
With West Ham up next and momentum building at the Emirates, Arteta will be relieved that one of his most consistent performers remained untouched during the summer — and is unlikely to be going anywhere soon.
