Arsenal have wasted no time in securing the future of one of their standout performers this season, with the club officially opening contract talks with Dutch defender Jurrien Timber. The 24-year-old has firmly established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice right-back, delivering consistent performances that have quickly earned him the admiration of both teammates and fans.
Head coach Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Timber’s impact, describing the Netherlands international as nothing short of “phenomenal” since cementing his place in the squad. “We want him with us, 100%,” Arteta insisted. “When you talk about a total player, he has almost every quality that you want from a defender.”
The Spaniard’s words underline just how highly Timber is valued within the Arsenal setup. His versatility, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game have made him indispensable, and the Gunners are determined to reward him with a new long-term deal.
When pressed on whether Timber might be the most underrated player in the Premier League, Arteta gave an insightful response: “I don’t know because I rate him a lot, so I don’t know how people rate him. Hopefully a lot because when you’re talking about a total player, he has almost every quality that you want from a defender.”
The talks with Timber come at a time when Arsenal are also negotiating a fresh contract with Bukayo Saka. Optimism remains high that the England star will commit his long-term future to the Emirates, but the simultaneous focus on Timber demonstrates just how central the Dutchman has become to Arteta’s vision.
From a summer signing to an undisputed starter, Timber’s rise at Arsenal has been rapid. And with Arteta’s backing and a new contract on the horizon, the Gunners look set to keep one of their most reliable defenders in north London for years to come.
