Arsenal to reward Jurrien Timber with new contract after Saka deal

Arsenal are moving decisively to secure the long-term future of their most important players. According to reports from TBR Football, the club are now ready to offer defender Jurrien Timber an improved deal, with the intention of rewarding his progress and extending his stay at the Emirates. This comes hot on the heels of Bukayo Saka’s extension, underlining the Gunners’ strategy of building around a core group of players.

The new contract for Timber demonstrates the faith Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy have in the Dutch international, who has impressed since returning from injury setbacks. By protecting key assets with long-term deals, the club is sending a clear message: the foundation of the team is strong, stable and committed for years to come.

With no Arsenal contracts expiring in 2026, the squad is already in a robust position compared to rivals juggling uncertain futures. While this stability is an advantage, it also means natural squad churn is limited. Without major departures, bringing in new talent may require difficult sales — something Edu Gaspar and Arteta will need to weigh carefully.

Jurrien Timber’s versatility has made him invaluable since his move from Ajax. Capable of operating both centrally and at full-back, his adaptability has offered Arsenal flexibility in both domestic and European competitions. Rewarding him with a fresh deal not only protects his value but also reflects his growing status as part of the club’s long-term project.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Arsenal’s contract strategy reflects maturity at board level:

“Securing Saka and Timber sends a message to the rest of the Premier League. Arsenal are prioritising stability and continuity. This gives Arteta a clear platform to plan, but the lack of natural turnover may mean some tough calls ahead if they want to refresh the squad.”

The Gunners now look set to continue talks with other key players as part of their long-term retention plan. With Champions League football demanding depth and consistency, Arsenal’s ability to keep their stars happy on improved terms could be decisive.

Attention will soon turn to potential exits, with Edu and Arteta needing to decide who — if anyone — can be sold to create space for new arrivals. For now, though, Arsenal fans can take comfort that the club’s core is firmly intact, with Timber expected to follow Saka in committing his future.

👉 Do you think Arsenal’s stability is a strength — or could the lack of squad turnover hold them back?