Arsenal confident of agreeing new contract with key defender

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Arsenal are reportedly confident that Jurrien Timber will agree to a new contract in the near future, as the club continues its push to tie down the players who helped win last season's Premier League title.

The move comes amid a busy stretch of contract business at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta has already signed a new deal, while Declan Rice is also expected to put pen to paper on fresh terms soon. Timber is understood to be next on the club's priority list.

Why Timber is considered a priority

Despite a history of injury setbacks since his move from Ajax, Timber has established himself as one of the most reliable options in Arteta's squad. He has become one of the better right backs in the Premier League, and his ability to also operate at centre back gives Arteta valuable tactical flexibility.

That versatility, combined with his performances when fit, has made him someone the club view as too important to risk losing, even with his contract situation not yet at a critical stage.

Talks already underway

According to TeamTalk, discussions have already taken place between Arsenal and Timber's representatives over a new deal. No formal agreement has been reached at this point, but the report suggests the club has no reason to expect the negotiations to run into difficulty.

That optimism fits a broader pattern at Arsenal this year, with the club working through a list of key contracts rather than waiting for situations to become urgent. Arteta's own extension and the expected renewal for Rice point to a club trying to lock down its core group well in advance.

What it means for Arsenal's squad planning

Securing Timber's long term future would be another significant step in that process. His defensive quality and positional versatility make him a valuable squad option regardless of how Arteta chooses to set up on a given weekend, and losing a player of that profile would represent an unwanted gap in the squad.

With Arteta's own future resolved and Rice's renewal expected to follow, Arsenal will be hoping Timber's new deal can be finalised without complication. Doing so would allow the club to continue building stability around its title winning core as it looks to compete on multiple fronts in the coming seasons.