Arsenal are making significant progress in negotiations to extend the contract of defender Jurrien Timber, according to sources. The Dutchman is expected to be the first of four key players to agree new terms with the club this summer.
Timber has become a regular fixture in Mikel Arteta’s defence over the past two seasons, having joined Arsenal in 2023. His first year was unfortunately cut short by an ACL injury sustained on his debut, but he has since made 95 appearances for the club.
Discussions between Arsenal and Timber’s representatives have been ongoing since the turn of the year, with the club aiming to reward the 24-year-old for his increasing importance to the squad. Sources indicate that the broad principles of a new agreement are now in place, with only minor details remaining to be finalised.
The proposed contract is expected to reflect Timber’s status as a top full-back in European football, with some within the club believing he is the best right-back in the world for Arteta’s tactical system. His impressive form throughout the season was disrupted by a groin injury, sidelining him for over a dozen matches and preventing his participation in the latter stages of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign.
Timber did make a substitute appearance in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain following his recovery, but was later forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad for the World Cup finals due to a recurrence of the groin issue. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal’s faith in the defender remains unwavering, viewing him as a crucial component of their long-term project.
Alongside Timber’s extension, Arsenal are also progressing talks over new contracts for manager Mikel Arteta, as well as key players Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Arteta is reportedly close to agreeing a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid managers in world football. However, Timber’s extension is currently the most advanced of these negotiations and is anticipated to be the first deal officially announced.
