Key Highlights
- Arsenal is reportedly in talks with three key players over new contracts.
- The club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been securing crucial player deals since his arrival earlier this year.
- Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are among the players being targeted for contract renewals.
- Declan Rice is also expected to be focused on for a new deal in the future.
New Contract Negotiations at Arsenal
Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League table, are reportedly making significant strides in securing long-term contracts with their most important players. The club is reported to be in talks with three key individuals: Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice.
Andrea Berta’s Role
Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been playing a crucial role since his arrival earlier this year. Berta has already secured new deals with Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba, among others. His efforts in maintaining the squad have quelled rumors of potential departures and contributed to the club’s success.
Significance of Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is a star player for Arsenal and has been captaining the team this season in the absence of Martin Odegaard. Despite being only 24 years old, Saka is entering the final two years of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, according to reports from Football London. BBC Sport suggests that significant progress has already been made in discussions between the club and Saka, with increasing expectations that he will sign a new deal.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, expressed his desire for Saka’s contract renewal when recently questioned about it: “I would love that. From everything that I know, he is a player that is extremely happy, and proud to have the role that he has at the football club.”
Future Focus on Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice
In addition to Saka, Arsenal are also reported to be focusing on securing new terms for defender Jurrien Timber. The 24-year-old Dutch international’s contract runs until June 2028, but his performances this season have seen him established as a key starter in the team following an injury-prone debut year.
Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham in July 2023, is also expected to be prioritized for new contract talks. At 26 years old and with two-and-a-half years remaining on his agreement, Rice has become a vital component of the Gunners’ engine room, expanding his skillset over the past year.
“Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do,” Arteta stated when discussing potential contract renewals. “Everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully, we can do it.” The club aims to finalize these deals soon to ensure continuity and maintain their position at the top of the league.
