Arsenal star Jurrien Timber makes bold Premier League title prediction

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is confident that the Gunners are on the brink of a return to their glory days. Mikel Arteta's squad are heading into the new season with the aim of shaking off their reputation as runners-up, having finished second in the Premier League for the past three seasons.

The London-based team also suffered a defeat at the hands of eventual champions Paris St Germain in the Champions League semi-finals - a loss that Timber believes was unjust.

However, with the spotlight on Arteta to demonstrate he's not a habitual loser, Dutch right-back Timber stated: "With Arteta as our manager, the best times at Arsenal are coming. The culture which he has created within this club, with his vision on football at top level, is bringing Arsenal to new heights.

"Arteta is a top coach. He really improves you as a player. In such a short period I have learned so very much from him. He is pushing me massively to get the best out of myself as a person and as a player."

Timber confessed that he relied heavily on his manager when his debut season at the Emirates was marred by a cruciate injury he sustained on his first appearance following his £34million transfer from Ajax in the summer of 2024.

The 24-year-old also sought the help of the sports psychologist he has been using since his teenage years before returning to aid the Gunners' quest for silverware last season.

Timber said: "During my entire rehab I felt so much support and trust from Arteta. At the start, in later stages and when I was making progress and had the chance to train with the squad again and my comeback was near, he was supporting me all the time.

"The trust and help made me feel confident to play again. It is not easy to make your return on the pitch after a cruciate knee ligament injury.

"But I knew that I was at Arsenal for a reason and I did feel fit again. But then comes the moment when I had to get that same feeling and form as a player in matches.

"Of course, I had my bad moments, too during that first year of hard work My emotions went up and down.

"Everyone at the club was great for me. And my personal mental coach, who I have been working with since the age of 16, is also very good."

Timber recognised Arsenal were genuine contenders when they demolished European giants Real Madrid 5-1 across two legs in the Champions League.

He revealed to Dutch magazine Helden: "During those matches against Madrid I thought 'this is what I have worked so hard for.

"In the home game, with our own fans, it was a sensation. And I loved that performance in the Bernabeu too.

"It was a pity we got knocked out by PSG in the semi final, as a team we had the feeling we could beat them."

Timber maintains he feels completely settled at the Emirates and considers England sensation Bukayo Saka amongst his closest mates.

The Dutch defender believes Arteta now possesses a tight-knit group who are primed to finally secure silverware. He expressed: "Saka is one of the players who has done so much for me since I arrived at Arsenal.

"I have built up a very close bond with him and we spend a lot of time together away from the club. The two of us even went to Wimbledon this summer to watch tennis. He is a really warm guy.

"But there are a bunch of guys around my age who I also get on really well with. William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard.

"There are also some young lads who we try to help, like Ethan Naneri, Lewis Myles-Skelly and Thomas Setford, a goalkeeper who is half Dutch."