Arsenal are planning to offer one star a bumper new contract this summer to fend off strong interest from Real Madrid, according to Sports Boom.
The Gunners have gone big on tying their top stars down to new long-term deals over the last 12 months, with all of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Max Dowman penning extensions to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
But with the club pushing to secure their first Premier League title since 2004, they are also seeing some other clubs across Europe showing an interest in players that are considered to be key to Mikel Arteta, and now they are looking to keep hold of one of them above all else.
Real Madrid Eye 'Astronomical' Deal for Timber
Jurrien Timber wheels away after scoring in Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
According to a report, Real Madrid are scouring the market for replacements for outgoing captain Dani Carvajal, and have identified Arsenal star Jurrien Timber as a top target.
His ability to play across the back four and in midfield is seen as a huge bonus, and the club are understood to be prepared to make an astronomical offer to take him to the Bernabeu this summer.
However, the Gunners are adamant that the Netherlands international is not for sale at any price, and are prepared to open talks over a fresh contract to keep him in north London over making a switch to Madrid.
Timber, who joined from Ajax in a deal worth £34m in 2023, is currently under contract until 2028, but Arsenal are now prepared to offer him a long-term extension, on wages worth up to £220,000-a-week, reflecting his status as an 'untouchable' for the manager. Real Madrid are willing to offer a similar wage should he be open to a move, while Arsenal would demand around £87m to let him leave in that scenario.
Arsenal Must Keep Core Squad Together
Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber
As Arsenal close in on a memorable campaign, the club must do all they can to keep the core of the squad together if they want to continue to have success for years to come.
Timber is entering the final two years of his deal, and that will make it prime time to either negotiate a new deal or move on. He has made himself undroppable in the right-back position, and a new contract should reflect his standing within the squad too.
At 24, he has all the room to improve further and become one of the very best in the world, and Arsenal should do all they can to ensure he's part of the squad while he continues to develop.
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