Jurrien Timber will be delighted to see who Per Mertesacker has just signed for Arsenal’s academy

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Jurrien Timber will be one of several Arsenal players raring to go during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of Asia.

Mikel Arteta has hand-picked a 30-player squad for Arsenal’s trip to Singapore and Hong Kong, where they’ll play three matches before returning for the Emirates Cup.

Arsenal included a host of youth players in the squad, the likes of Ismeal Kabia, Max Dowman and Louie Copley just to name a few.

And Head of Academy Per Mertesacker will be delighted to see so many Hale End talents given the chance to impress Arteta and fans against the likes of AC Milan.

Copley has already shared his first team ambitions — a midfielder who is hoping to model his game on Declan Rice.

And back home, Arsenal have just made another astute addition to their academy.

Arsenal signing Demiane Agustien explains his special Jurrien Timber connection

Arsenal have just announced that 17-year-old Demiane Agustien has signed a professional contract with the Gunners, making the switch from Derby County.

The attacking midfielder registered 16 goal contributions in the U18 Premier League last season, and he’s now raring to get going in north London.

And upon signing for Arsenal, Agustien shared his special link to Timber in the first team, a player he can’t wait to train alongside.

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Agustien explained that it’s rare to find another player in the United Kingdom who is also from both the Netherlands and Curacao — and Timber will surely be delighted to welcome his compatriot to the club too.

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Agustien explained: “Obviously, I’ve known about him because he’s a Dutch player, but he’s also from Curaçao, a small Caribbean island, where I’m from and not many people from the Netherlands and from Curaçao live in the UK.

“So therefore, it’s nice to obviously see him, train with him as well and see the levels of what brought him here and what got him here.”

Demiane Agustien already has first-team ambitions at Arsenal

Although he’ll join the academy sides to begin with, Agustien is already eyeing a chance under Arteta once he’s been able to prove his ability.

And given the example set by the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly of late, there’s no reason to think he can’t.

Speaking about his initial plans, Agustien added: “I’ll just look to make a statement on why I think I’m good enough to be playing for Arsenal and really prove myself.

“Eventually, hopefully, I can make some appearances with the first team hopefully or to be on a bench as well and gain experience. Would be amazing for this season.”

An exciting youngster, and one whose progress Timber might be keeping a close eye on across the season to come.