Ajax legend Marco van Basten urged Jurrien Timber to stay at the Dutch club for another year before he decided to join Arsenal.
The Gunners are expected to complete the signing of Timber this week, with a verbal agreement in place over a deal worth an initial £40million.
Speaking in May, van Basten told Timber that it would be beneficial to spend another season at Ajax in order to gain experience.
However, it appears that the 22-year-old has elected against following that advice, with his medical scheduled to take place in the coming days.
It is anticipated that the transfer could be completed by the weekend.
‘You have to go to a club where you know for sure that you are playing,’ Van Basten told Timber on Ziggo Sport in May.
‘A club where not only do you play but where you are decisive. You are now at Ajax. You have to give yourself that assurance.
'You also have to be stable in your private life. If you don’t live with your girl yet, I’m just saying, and you’re going there on your own, I’d absolutely advise against it.'
Van Basten also suggested that it can be difficult to earn respect in the dressing room when you join a new club.
He said: ‘Which club you go to, in the dressing room they look like, ‘let’s see’. The moment they don’t feel they are better with you, then they are all against you. Because you are an intruder. Then you have to do it alone.
‘You’ve seen this year how difficult it is when you have to go it alone, now that you were among other defenders who were not so good. You had a different year than last year. Last year you were really good and this season you had a difficult season.
‘I would really advise him to gain another year of experience in the Netherlands. If it’s a good year then I’d say, ‘okay [you should leave]’. If it is another doubtful season, then I would do another year.’
Since making his debut for Ajax in 2019, Timber, who can play at right-back or centre-back, has made 121 appearances.
The Netherlands international seems set to be one of several high-profile arrivals at Emirates Stadium this summer.
Kai Havertz has already joined from Chelsea for £65million, while Declan Rice is set to arrive from West Ham for £105million.
MullerChase
0
who can say no to arsenal if they come knocking at you
Gift Orban 🌚
Cekaelnty
0
These guys advised him not to join United last time arguing that he was going to be on the bench. Matinez came instead and look at him now . Timber is regretting
naybdeiknt
1
who can say no to arsenal if they come knocking at you
Jonbcnopsy
0
he is a stupid man for trying to talk a man out of his success
When men are talking kids like you should keep quiet
adigunmuru
2
Marco...what a player....unlucky guy..injury in early age...
Deebdeilmu
0
Off course, he's an average player for now. He has to mature,
Benbcilpru
1
he is a stupid man for trying to talk a man out of his success
macinprtz
0
Everyday verbal agreement when will Arsenal sign
wuoacenor
2
what if it's bad season after another he's gonna stay at Ajax for ever these so called legends like to speak too much they have got big mouths
robcmrsuy
2
he should sign him if he has a club
TheO2man
0
Too late
ManUnited-Red
2
Then to join us, great idea 💯
lozdknorsu
2
every day verbal agreement
danoni31
4
Its good Timber is not following such worthless advice. If every player should follow such advice and remain where they are because of the reason Van Basten gave, no one will make progress.
muyapani
3
we don't need him
shufflebeng85
3
When i was a kid my father use to told me not to leave out of the house as he turns his back you know the history just a short story in summary relating to the title
vocdkmnprz
4
Van Basten leave Timber to decide his future
Juodenopy
2
marco van basten should get to knw arsenal better, we will embrace timbers wil both arms and welcome him home
SubashChandru
0
What Happen Van de Beek ?
ClemJay
2
The question I'm asking Van Basten is if he truly wants to see Timber leave Ajax at all? He should stop cutting corners