Berta holds new Arsenal contract talks with big-name duo after Raya, Saka and Timber

Emilio is an experienced football content writer and journalist with six years under his belt on the website.

After graduating with first class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn’t take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism – here at Snack.

Emilio has written for a host of the company’s biggest past and current football news websites – Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and FootballFanCast.

Having worked through the COVID lockdown, Spurs’ infamous 2021 manager search and a succession of transfer windows – Emilio is well versed in the fast-paced and ever-changing news landscape of the beautiful game.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, on a dance floor or even in a boxing ring…

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with two more big-name players about new deals after Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and David Raya, with the transfer chief looking to tie down a host of high-profile names.

Arsenal agree David Raya terms with Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka talks ongoing
After agreeing a new deal with star defender William Saliba to keep him out of Real Madrid’s clutches and at the Emirates Stadium until 2030, Berta has shown absolutely no sign of stopping there.

The Gunners are taking decisive steps to secure the futures of some of their most important players, with goalkeeper David Raya recently agreeing to a new and improved contract as well.

The deal, which still runs until 2028, rewards Raya for his stellar form since joining from Brentford and reflects his status as one of the Premier League’s top shot-stoppers. His new contract comes with an increased salary, acknowledging back-to-back Golden Glove seasons and his pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Much like Leandro Trossard’s improved deal, it wasn’t officially announced by the club and the contract itself wasn’t extended, but there is apparently an option in it for a further year (BBC).

Alongside Raya’s contract, Arsenal are actively working to lock down two more key members of their squad — defender Jurrien Timber and star winger Bukayo Saka.

Negotiations with Timber, who has quickly established himself as a versatile and vital member of the back line, are now underway. The Dutchman’s current deal runs until 2028, but Arsenal want to reward his strong performances and commitment since returning excellently from an ACL injury with improved terms.

For Saka, the North Londoners are reportedly confident they can agree a new deal before Christmas with his current contract expiring in 2027, and it could take his earnings beyond the £250,000-per-week mark (Football Transfers).

Bukayo Saka’s career at Arsenal so far in all competitions

Stats

Appearances

270

Goals

Assists

Bookings

Red cards

Minutes played

20,448

Some reports suggest that Saka could even become the first Arsenal player to earn £300,000-per-week, and if completed, new contracts for Raya, Timber, and Saka would push Arsenal’s wage bill past £400 million for the first time — reflecting both the club’s growing ambition and its determination to challenge for Premier League and European glory.

Now, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, it is believed Arsenal could elevate their wage bill further with new and improved contracts for star midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Berta holds talks with Odegaard and Rice over new Arsenal deals
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey says that Berta has held talks with Rice and Odegaard about fresh terms, so we could yet see more high-profile names tied down with extensions.

“After Saliba and Saka, there was Timber but Raya, Odegaard and Rice too – they have all had conversations with Andrea Berta,” Bailey said.

“Raya is 30 with three-and-a-half years left on his contract, they could have left it – like with Timber – but they are recognising players for their form and their stance in the squad and the game in general.

“And you have to do this really, if you are making Saliba one of the highest-paid defenders in the Premier League and are ready to make Saka the first 300k a week player, it makes sense.

“Arsenal have built great harmony in the squad, and they are now rewarding those players who are playing to the level they expect. It is a clear sign; you perform for us, you will be rewarded.”

Rice, who has quickly established himself as their midfield commander since his £105 million move from West Ham, brings not just world-class ability but also leadership.

Locking him down for the long term would ensure Arteta retains the club’s defensive anchor and one of their most influential players — vital for challenging on all fronts for years to come.

Odegaard, meanwhile, is the creative heartbeat of Arteta’s side. As captain, his vision, technical skill and work rate set the standard when fit and available.

The Norway star is expected to be out for at least a month after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury against West Ham, having only just come back from a shoulder problem, but extending his contract would send a clear message about Arsenal’s ambition to keep their best talent and build around a player who embodies the club’s footballing philosophy.

Both Rice and Odegaard are entering their prime years, and their continued presence would provide stability, inspire younger teammates and reassure supporters that Arsenal are committed to sustained success.