Arsenal are prioritising new contracts for Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber as the Premier League champions look to secure the core of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Talks over improved terms for the trio are understood to be progressing, with all three players currently tied to the club until the summer of 2028. Arsenal are keen to avoid allowing their positions to become uncertain as they continue to build on last season’s title success.
Rice has established himself as a central figure in Arteta’s midfield since joining from West Ham, while Odegaard remains captain and one of the team’s principal creative players. Timber, meanwhile, has impressed at full-back when fit and is regarded as an important part of Arsenal’s defensive structure.
Arsenal contract talks advance after perfect start
The move to reward the three players comes after Arsenal began their title defence with three victories. They beat Coventry City 3-0, followed that with a 1-0 win at Aston Villa and then defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Those results have strengthened expectations around Arteta’s side, who are seeking to retain the Premier League title after lifting the trophy last season. The club also added further quality during the summer, increasing the importance of keeping the existing group together.
According to TeamTalk, negotiations over new deals for Rice, Odegaard and Timber are advancing as part of a wider contract strategy at the north London club. Arsenal are seeking to reward the players considered central to their plans while protecting the long-term stability of the squad.
Arteta’s own future is also being discussed, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season. Talks have been under way since January and there is growing confidence that an agreement could be reached before the September international break, which begins on September 25.
For Arsenal, securing the three players is likely to come at a significant cost, but delaying negotiations could make renewals more expensive as the expiry of their current contracts draws closer.
