Arsenal Open Talks to Extend Jurrien Timber

Arsenal have opened early-stage contract talks to extend Jurrien Timber beyond his current deal running until 2028, with all parties reportedly willing to reach an agreement. Manager Mikel Arteta hailed the 24-year-old as “phenomenal”, praising his recovery from a serious ACL injury and his consistency after Timber started six of Arsenal’s nine league games this season. Timber joined from Ajax in summer 2023 for around £34.4m, missed most of his first campaign through injury but returned to make 51 appearances in 2024–25 and has consolidated himself as first-choice right-back. The move forms part of a wider push to lock down core players — William Saliba has already signed a new long-term deal and Arsenal are also in talks with Bukayo Saka — as sporting director Andrea Berta seeks to secure Mikel Arteta’s long-term project. Timber’s strong form has raised questions over Ben White’s place, and the club appear confident they can persuade the Dutch international to remain as they pursue major trophies.