Arsenal are preparing for a fresh round of contract talks with six senior first-team players as the club looks to lock down the core of its squad for the coming seasons, according to Saturday’s edition of The Times.
Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Martin Odegaard during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
The plans follow confirmation that Bukayo Saka has agreed a new five-year deal. The academy graduate now joins William Saliba and Gabriel in committing his long-term future after both centre-backs signed new contracts in recent months.
Attention is now turning to the next group of players approaching key stages in their deals. Arsenal are close to agreeing new terms with Jurriën Timber and intend to hold talks with Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, David Raya and Mikel Merino, all of whom are currently under contract until 2028.
Havertz, 26, is understood to be the club’s highest earner on a salary of around £280,000 a week, although Saka’s new deal will see him move ahead of that.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Kai Havertz of Arsenal scores his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC at Emirates Stadium on February 02, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Declan Rice is also in the final two years of his deal, although Arsenal hold an option to extend his contract by a further season until 2029.
According to The Times, Arsenal’s financial position allows room for multiple renewals provided their Champions League income is maintained. The club’s latest accounts show wages rising from £235 million to £328 million, but that ‘only’ accounted for around 53 per cent of turnover, which stood at £616 million.
Last season’s run to the Champions League semi-finals generated around £97 million, alongside £171.5 million for finishing second in the league again.
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