Arsenal have entered advanced discussions over new contracts for Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber as they move to secure the core of their first-team squad. The contract push comes amid reports from TEAMtalk that senior figures within the Real Madrid hierarchy are internally urging club president Florentino Perez to make England midfielder Rice a priority transfer target.
Real Madrid circle as Rice contract talks progress
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, speaking to TEAMtalk, influential members of the Spanish club's board have urged Perez to place Rice on their radar alongside other elite central midfielders. Rice, 27, joined Arsenal from West Ham United in July 2023 for a club-record initial fee of £100 million. Bailey reports that the player's camp believes he should become the top earner at the Emirates Stadium under any revised terms. Arsenal currently pay their top stars upwards of £280,000 a week, meaning a new agreement would elevate Rice's package to reflect his status as one of the Premier League's premier players.
Timber breakthrough leads Arsenal renewal drive
While negotiations continue with Rice and club captain Ødegaard—who last extended his terms in September 2023—it is defender Jurrien Timber whose renewal talks are currently the most advanced, as first reported by the Sunday Guardian. The 25-year-old Dutch international has established himself as a highly versatile defensive anchor under manager Mikel Arteta. Locking down this trio aligns with Arteta's long-term squad planning, keeping the core of his starting lineup together and reducing the pressure to recruit expensive defensive and midfield replacements in the upcoming summer transfer window.
