Arsenal are reportedly in talks with three key players over new contracts, as the Gunners look to tie down their most important stars to long-term deals
Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta
Premier League table toppers Arsenal are reportedly in the process of negotiating new contracts with three key players.
Understandably, there’s been a lot of talk about the more than £200million that Arsenal splashed out on eight summer signings, following what could prove to be the most successful transfer window in the club’s history. However, equally significant has been the less glamorous work of sporting director Andrea Berta, who since his arrival earlier this year, has been securing the club’s crucial players to new deals.
In recent months, Berta has negotiated new contracts with Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Over the summer, he also agreed pay rises with David Raya and Leandro Trossard. This has been vital in quelling any rumours about potential departures, and aiding the Gunners in maintaining a squad of players currently leading the title race.
But Arteta and Berta aren’t resting on their laurels. BBC Sport reports they have now turned their attention to securing a new long-term contract for star player Bukayo Saka.
The 24-year-old, who has captained the side this season in the absence of Martin Odegaard, is entering the final two years of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, reports Football London.
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s star man(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
However, the report suggests significant progress has already been made in discussions between the club and Saka, amid increasing expectations that the academy graduate will sign a new deal.
The England winger is already among the top earners at the club and is poised to receive a wage packet that reflects his significance to Arteta’s vision.
When Arteta was recently questioned about Saka’s contract renewal, he responded: “I would love that. From everything that I know, he is a player that is extremely happy, and proud to have the role that he has at the football club.
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“Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do, and everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully, we can do it.”
The same source suggests the Gunners have also begun talks with defender Jurrien Timber, whose agreement runs until June 2028.
The 24-year-old Dutch international has been amongst Arsenal’s standout performers this campaign.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal celebrates scoring with team-mate Declan Rice(Image: Getty Images)
After establishing himself as a guaranteed starter following a severe knee problem that sidelined him for virtually his entire debut season with the north London outfit, his fresh terms are anticipated to mirror his present status.
It’s understood that once Saka and Timber’s contracts are sorted, the club will focus on securing an improved deal with a third crucial player in Declan Rice, who also has two-and-a-half years remaining on his agreement.
Rice, 26, who joined the club in July 2023 from West Ham, is a vital component of the Gunners’ engine room and has expanded his repertoire over the past year, particularly with his precise dead-ball delivery and increased goal output.
