Arsenal are reportedly in talks with three key players over new contracts, as Mikel Arteta looks to tie down his most important players to long-term deals
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on October 18, 2025 in London, England.
Mikel Arteta wants to keep his best players at Arsenal(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Arsenal are reportedly in the midst of negotiating new contracts with three key players. The Gunners' £200million-plus summer spending spree on eight new signings has understandably been the subject of much discussion, having marked arguably the most successful transfer window in the club's history.
But perhaps equally as important has been sporting director Andrea Berta's less glamorous work, which has been tying down the club’s important players to new deals since his arrival earlier this year. Berta has negotiated new deals with Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in recent months.
He also agreed to pay rises for David Raya and Leandro Trossard in the summer. This has been crucial in preventing and dispelling any noise around potential exits, and helping the Gunners maintain a squad of players which are currently sitting top of the Premier League table.
But manager Mikel Arteta and Berta aren't resting on their laurels. According to BBC Sport, they have now turned their attention to securing a new long-term contract for star player Bukayo Saka.
The 24-year-old, who has stepped up as captain this season in the absence of Martin Odegaard, has entered the final two years of his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
But the report suggests that significant progress has already been made in talks between the club and Saka, fuelling expectations that the academy graduate will sign a new deal.
The England winger is already among the club's top earners and is set to receive a wage package that reflects his significance to Arteta's project.
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on September 21, 2025 in London, England.
Arsenal are working on new deals for Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber
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When asked recently about Saka's contract extension, Arteta responded: "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. Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do, and everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully, we can do it."
The same source claims the Gunners have also begun talks with right-back Jurrien Timber, whose current deal runs until June 2028. The 24-year-old Netherlands international has emerged as one of Arsenal's standout performers this campaign.
Having established himself as a nailed-on starter since a devastating knee injury ended his debut season in north London, his new terms are expected to mirror his current role.
Declan Rice of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2025 in London, England
Declan Rice has two-and-a-half years left on his contract
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It's understood that, once Saka and Timber's deals are finalised, the club will shift its focus towards agreeing an upgraded package for a third key player in Declan Rice, who also has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract.
Rice, who joined the club in July 2023 from West Ham, is a vital cog in the Gunners' midfield and has expanded his skillset over the past 12 months, particularly with his devastating dead-ball delivery and increased goal threat.
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