Arsenal have identified two key targets for contract renewals as they close in on a new deal for star midfielder Declan Rice.
With Manchester City embroiled in a major financial scandal, Arsenal are considered the prime contender for the title this season, having ended a 22-year wait for Premier League glory in the 2025/26 campaign. This summer, the Gunners strengthened their squad while focusing on retaining the core of their championship-winning side.
In recent months, new contracts have been signed by manager Mikel Arteta, centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, along with academy products Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. However, the club are not planning to rest on their laurels.
Last week, insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that England international Declan Rice is on the brink of signing a new contract:
Arsenal are close to agreeing a new contract for Declan Rice following the extension of Mikel Arteta. The plan is fully confirmed. Rice has decided to stay and will sign shortly, with only final details to be discussed. Arsenal are confident the deal will be wrapped up soon.
Odegaard and Timber are Arsenal's main targets
According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners are pressing ahead with what is being dubbed a triple deal: they intend to renew contracts with defender Jurrien Timber and club captain Martin Odegaard.
Negotiations with Timber’s camp are reportedly nearing the finish line, with key terms of the future agreement already settled. The hierarchy at Arsenal is eager to secure the long-term future of a player who has become an integral part of Arteta's tactical setup. Similar optimism surrounds discussions with Odegaard, whose current contract, like Rice and Timber's, runs until the summer of 2028.
Football Insider adds that new deals for the Norwegian playmaker and Dutch defender have become the top priority immediately after sorting out Rice's future:
Declan Rice is in advanced talks with the club’s hierarchy regarding an extension at the Emirates. Recently, the North London club offered a new long-term contract to Mikel Arteta, and now all eyes are on rewarding the key architects of the championship success. Sources indicate that Odegaard and Timber are first in line for new deals, as soon as Rice's renewal is finalised.
