Arsenal close to agreeing new long-term contract with Jurrien Timber
Arsenal are close to agreeing a new long-term contract with defender Jurrien Timber as Mikel Arteta looks to secure the core of his Premier League-winning squad.
Talks are progressing well between the north London club and the 24-year-old over fresh terms.
The Dutchman’s current deal runs until 2028, but the Gunners hierarchy are keen to avoid any future standoffs by tying down the influential right-back.
Vital component of Arteta’s defence
Since arriving from Ajax for an initial £34m fee in 2023, the versatile defender has established himself as a critical asset at Emirates Stadium.
Despite his debut campaign being heavily disrupted by a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury, he has gone on to make 94 appearances for the club.
The former Eredivisie star has contributed six goals and 11 assists, providing a crucial balance of defensive resilience and attacking threat down the right flank.
High praise from team-mates
His impressive partnership with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard has created a formidable attacking triangle that opposition sides struggle to contain.
His recent absence in the latter half of the campaign has highlighted his importance to the team’s overall defensive structure.
“He is so, so good. One against one, it is impossible to beat him, and offensively, he is so good,” William Saliba told CBS Sports when asked if his team-mate was the best right-back in world football.
“I hope he will keep going like this, and he is a top, top player. He is one or two, for sure!”