Arsenal have opened talks with Jurrien Timber over a new contract as the club step up efforts to secure the futures of Mikel Arteta's most important players, The Sporting News understands.
The Dutch defender has established himself as Arteta's first-choice right back this season, starting five of the opening six Premier League matches ahead of Ben White.
Timber joined from Ajax in the summer of 2023 for £34.4 million, only for his debut campaign to be wrecked by an ACL injury on the opening day of the season.
He returned last year to make 51 appearances across all competitions and has carried that form into the new season, adding balance and quality on the ball in a back line that is already one of the Premier League's strongest.
Talks with Timber are still in the early stages but there is confidence on both sides that an agreement can be reached to extend his current deal, which runs until 2028.
Arteta has repeatedly highlighted the 24-year-old's resilience and importance, describing him as "a really good example of someone that suffered a very difficult injury so early, but the way he’s come back and what he’s doing for the team is phenomenal."
Which players do Arsenal want to open contract talks with?
The Sporting News understands Arsenal's talks with Timber come as part of a wider push to tie down the core of the squad.
Bukayo Saka is in discussions over fresh terms just over a year after his last extension, while William Saliba has already committed to a new long-term deal.
Declan Rice's contract runs until 2028, but Arsenal are expected to trigger an option for a further year which would secure the £100m midfielder until 2029, while Martin Odegaard, who has grown into his role as captain, is also in line for an improved deal in the months ahead.
Similarly, contact talks with David Raya and Mikel Merino are expected to take place in due course with both of their deals expiring in the summer of 2028 respectively.
The intention from sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta is clear: lock in the players regarded as the spine of the side at a time when Arsenal are positioning themselves to challenge for major honours in the Premier League and Europe.