Arsenal Acts to Keep Formidable Right-Back Long-Term
Arsenal have opened talks with Jurriën Timber over a new contract, following on from the recent extension signed by fellow defender William Saliba. The move reflects the club’s commitment to securing the future of its defensive core, with Timber quickly establishing himself as one of Arsenal’s most important players. The Dutch international suffered a torn ACL on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest in August 2023, an injury that kept him sidelined for nearly the entire season. After months of recovery, he made an emotional return on the final day of the 2023-24 campaign against Everton.
Since then, Timber has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout right-backs. He featured in close to 50 matches across all competitions last season, displaying a blend of defensive steel and composure on the ball. Rarely beaten in one-on-one situations, he excels at engaging early, using his physique to win duels, and recovering possession high up the pitch. His ability to carry the ball into midfield and maintain a dribbling success rate near 45 percent has added another layer to Arsenal’s buildup play. His style, built on control and anticipation rather than reckless challenges, has made him one of the most dependable defenders in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The numbers highlight his influence. Timber made more than 50 tackles in league play last season, consistently regained possession in advanced areas, and contributed with a goal and several assists. He did all this with composure, conceding minimal fouls and allowing Arsenal to dominate matches at both ends of the pitch. At just 24, his maturity and resilience, particularly after such a severe injury, have underlined why his market value has risen sharply and why the club is eager to secure his long-term future. His combination of defensive security and attacking contribution makes him a rare, all-around full-back.
Timber’s new contract would be more than just a reward for resilience; it would be a statement of intent from Arsenal. In less than two seasons, he has gone from a player fighting to recover from a devastating injury to one of the best right-backs in Europe, setting the standard with his consistency and versatility. His ability to defend one-on-one while also stepping into midfield has given Arteta’s side a balance they had long been searching for. By securing his future alongside Saliba, Arsenal are locking down a defensive partnership that could define their ambitions for years to come. Timber’s story is one of grit, talent, and belief, and this new deal would confirm his place at the heart of Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware. For both player and club, it feels like only the beginning of something bigger, and keeping him could be essential as Arsenal chase the Premier League and Champions League in the seasons ahead.
