Arsenal are closing in on new contracts for Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, and TEAMtalk say all three should be wrapped up before January.
All three are tied to the club until 2028, so there’s no panic, but Arsenal want to reward what they’ve done and sort the long-term picture early. The aim is to have the paperwork finished by Christmas.
Odegaard is the one with a suitor. Bayern Munich have been keeping tabs on the captain, who turns 28 in December. Arsenal have no interest in selling and he’s happy at the club, so there’s nothing to suggest he’s looking for the exit. He’s also back to his best after a knee problem disrupted his last campaign, which makes him an easy man to keep.
Timber’s story is a good one. The Dutchman missed the whole of his first season after joining from Ajax in 2023, but he’s now a key right-back and goes straight back into the XI when he’s fit. Arsenal want his future settled.
Rice is less urgent. His current terms include an extra option, which gives the club some breathing room, but they still plan to agree an improved long-term deal with the England midfielder.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is pleased with the depth that recent recruitment has added to the squad. Holding on to the core group is seen as every bit as important, and Arsenal want these three sorted before a busy January window.
Footiebuzz View
Odegaard is the one that matters here. Bayern sniffing around the captain is exactly why you don’t hang about, and tying him up before Christmas shuts that down. Timber’s fitness is the only real gamble, but you back a lad who’s fought his way back into that XI. Rice can wait a little. Get all three done and Arteta can get on with the football.