I think he’s better than me!’ – Oleksandr Zinchenko impressed by ‘incredible’ new Arsenal signing

Given his ability to play as an inverted full-back, Timber has drawn comparisons to Zinchenko and the Ukrainian insists he could be even better.

‘Maybe he is [similar], but maybe better than me,’ Zinchenko said in an interview with Arsenal’s official programme. ‘I’m sure he is 100 per cent going to show us what he can do, and will really help us.

‘I do know about him because I watched him and followed the way he played at Ajax. Also, I played against him for the national team so I know about him as a player, what amazing qualities he has, and now I know him off the pitch.

Arsenal spent almost £40m to sign Timber from Ajax

Arsenal spent almost £40m to sign Timber

‘He’s a great guy, another incredible signing for Arsenal who will help us a lot.’

Timber is one of three new signings at Arsenal along with England midfielder Declan Rice and Germany forward Kai Havertz.

Mikel Arteta was keen to bolster his squad at the Emirates Stadium following a season in which Arsenal almost won their first Premier League title since 2004, eventually finishing five points behind Manchester City.

The Gunners face Man City in Sunday’s Community Shield final before turning their attentions to a Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on August 12.