Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard could be the next two Arsenal players to receive new contracts after David Raya was rewarded with fresh terms, Arsenal Insider understands.
Raya has agreed a new deal which will see him earn significantly more money than he had been earning, although he will still be contracted until 2028.
The goalkeeper has been exceptional over the last 12 months, and the North London club were keen to demonstrate that they recognise this form by compensating him appropriately.
Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka are expected to follow suit with new deals, and Andrea Berta’s contract work isn’t expected to stop there.
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice next up on Andrea Berta’s contract list
Berta spent in excess of £250 million in the summer transfer window.
However, the Italian sporting director hasn’t been merely fixated on strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad by bringing in new players, but also by ensuring the core members remain in N5 for several years.
First, Gabriel Magalhaes put pen to paper on a new long-term deal. After that, youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly both committed their futures to Arsenal.
Most recently, William Saliba signed a fresh deal that will see him remain in North London until 2030.
New terms for Timber and Saka are in the works, and Raya is the latest to be financially rewarded for his contributions to Arsenal’s success on the pitch.
Speaking to Arsenal Insider, transfer expert Graeme Bailey provided some insight into Raya’s deal, whilst also revealing that Rice and Odegaard are next up.
“Odegaard and Rice could be next up for new contracts, but with them it’s more about the length of contract, rather than increasing their wages,” he said.
“Whilst with Raya and Timber, it’s about rewarding them. Raya’s got two and a half years left. He’s 30, but they do recognise the improvement in him. He’s now one of the Premier League’s best.
“They’re recognising his status in the game as a whole and in the Premier League and are rewarding him for that progress, and it’s very similar with Timber. Neither is one of the higher earners at the club, but they are going to benefit from their status.”
Andrea Berta is continuing to prove his worth
While the long-term impact of Berta’s work is yet to determined, you cannot fault his process thus far.
The former Atletico Madrid man has not only overseen an unprecedented transfer window where the Gunners addressed all of their needs and seem to have equipped Arteta with an excellent squad, but has also convince many key players to remain in Islington.
He’s been relentless with his business and has seemingly gone about it in an efficient and savvy manner.
Already hugely outshining his predecessor, Edu, this start should be viewed as massively encouraging for Arsenal fans and indicates that they are clearly heading in the right direction.
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