Arsenal are increasingly confident of finalising a new long-term contract extension for Jurrien Timber, 24, with the agreement expected to be signed before the defender joins the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup. According to reports from TeamTalk, the club has moved to secure the right-back’s future despite a groin injury suffered in March that has left him sidelined for the final weeks of the campaign. Simultaneously, the Gunners are reportedly prepared to sanction the departure of Ben White, 28, during the summer transfer window, with Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento identified as a leading candidate to bolster the defensive rotation.
Timber's tactical ascent and injury status
While Timber is currently undergoing rehabilitation, Mikel Arteta recently confirmed the player is "doing some stuff on the pitch" as he nears a potential return. This injury is a minor setback compared to the ACL tear that ruined his debut 2023-24 season, but his impact between those fitness issues has been transformative. In the 2024-25 season, Timber made 45 appearances, establishing himself as the primary choice at right-back due to his technical proficiency in central areas. Speaking to Goal, former Arsenal defender William Gallas noted that Timber has set the standard "so high" that reclaiming a starting spot will be difficult for his teammates. The proposed extension reflects Arsenal's desire to protect the value of a player who cost £34m from Ajax and has become central to Arteta’s build-up play.
White departure signals defensive reshuffle
The move to tied down Timber aligns with reports from Football365 suggesting Arsenal will reluctantly listen to offers for Ben White. The England international, who joined for £50m in 2021, remains under contract until 2028 but has seen his starting opportunities diminished by Timber's emergence. While Everton have been linked with a move for White at a valuation of £20-25m, Arsenal would likely seek a higher figure to offset the cost of a replacement. CaughtOffside reports that Tino Livramento, 23, is the priority target, though Newcastle's £60-70m valuation presents a significant financial hurdle. Offloading White’s reported £150,000-a-week wages would provide necessary flexibility as the club navigates PSR constraints while pursuing a more offensive-minded profile like Livramento.
Negotiations with Timber’s representatives are expected to conclude in the coming weeks to avoid distractions during the international tournament in June.