Arsenal open contract talks with star defender

Arsenal have begun discussions over extending the deal of Jurrien Timber, with talks progressing positively between all parties.

Arsenal open contract talks with star defender Jurrien Timber as the club look to reward the Dutchman’s impressive performances since his return from injury. According to BBC’s Sami Mokbel, talks are at an early stage but there is a will from all parties to extend the deal beyond its current expiry date in 2028.

Timber joined Arsenal from Ajax in July 2023 for an initial fee of £34million. However, his debut season was cruelly cut short after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest, sidelining him for almost the entire 2023/24 campaign.

The 24-year-old has since made a remarkable return and has become one of the first names on manager Mikel Arteta’s team sheet. During the 2024/25 season, Timber made 48 appearances across all competitions, including 30 in the Premier League and 13 in the Champions League, cementing his position as the club’s first-choice right-back.

The Netherlands international also opened his goalscoring account for the Gunners with a header in December 2024’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United, before netting his first Champions League goal in March 2025’s emphatic 7-1 win against PSV Eindhoven.

The proposed contract extension would see Timber receive a significant wage increase, reflecting his importance to the squad. He currently earns approximately £90,000 per week, considerably less than other key players at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal’s hierarchy are keen to secure his long-term future before interest from rival clubs intensifies.

Arsenal and Timber are back in action on Saturday afternoon, as they take on London rivals West Ham United at The Emirates Stadium. The Gunners haven’t scored a goal or won their last two home matches against the Irons.