Arsenal are reportedly growing increasingly confident of tying down defender Jurrien Timber to a new and improved contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Berta Leads Crucial Contract Talks
According to reports, the club's sporting director, Andrea Berta, is spearheading negotiations which are said to be progressing positively. This move forms part of a wider strategy by the Gunners to secure the long-term futures of their most important assets, having already agreed new deals with several key figures in recent months.
This upcoming transfer window will be Berta's second since joining Arsenal, but the focus is currently on securing the services of an existing star before the market officially opens. Timber, whose current contract runs until 2028, is now in line for a fresh agreement that reflects his elevated status within Mikel Arteta's squad.
Timber's Meteoric Rise at Arsenal
The 24-year-old Dutch international joined Arsenal from Ajax in the summer of 2023 in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £38 million. After a devastating ACL injury curtailed almost his entire first season in North London, Timber has returned to establish himself as an indispensable figure.
Primarily the first-choice right-back, his versatility has been crucial this season, with the player also slotting seamlessly into central defence to cover for injuries. His combination of defensive solidity and potent attacking contributions from wide areas has made him a fundamental component of Arteta's system.
Manager Mikel Arteta has been effusive in his praise, stating in October: "The way he's come back and what he's doing for the team, it's phenomenal. I think he’s a really good example of another one that hopefully is going to have a long career with us." Arteta added that Timber possesses "almost every quality that you want from a defender."
Part of a Wider Retention Strategy
Timber's potential new deal follows a series of contract extensions secured by the club's hierarchy. In the past six months, central defensive pillars Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have committed their futures, alongside highly-rated academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Furthermore, negotiations are also ongoing with Timber's frequent partner on the right flank, Bukayo Saka, whose current terms have just 18 months remaining. Securing Timber's future is seen as another vital step in building a stable, competitive squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title season after season.
Timber himself has echoed the club's ambitious mindset, saying earlier this season: "I think we showed the last couple of years that we will always be fighting for the title... We have an amazing group, and we have a group that can do amazing things." He acknowledged the team is close to the ultimate success, citing the right manager, team, and club structure as reasons for excitement.
With Andrea Berta driving the discussions from the club's side, Arsenal fans will be hopeful of a positive announcement regarding one of their most consistent performers in the near future.
