Opinion

Arsenal must sort new deal for ‘outstanding’ star who earns less than Kieran Tierney immediately

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The transfer window has shut, meaning attention at Arsenal will turn to how Mikel Arteta can bolster from within.

The Gunners were unable to land the striker they needed in January, and Arteta has voiced his frustrations over their failure to do so.

As a result, the Spaniard will have to cope with the limited options he has at his disposal.

With transfer business no longer a focus, Arsenal should look to tie certain important players down to new contracts.

It’s understood that Arsenal want to offer Gabriel Magalhaes a fresh deal, although there’s another member of Arteta’s defensive cohort that also is deserving of new terms.

Preston North End v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal should offer Jurrien Timber a new contract

Signing from Ajax for a fee in the region of £34 million in the summer of 2023, Jurrien Timber endured a devastating debut campaign in N5, which saw him suffer an ACL injury on his Premier League debut.

Returning to fitness this term, the Dutchman has established himself as a dependable figure in Arteta’s back-line, starting 20 of Arsenal’s opening 24 league games.

Timber has been praised for his consistency, and is now undoubtedly one of the Gunners’ key men.

The 23-year-old excels in one-on-one battles with dynamic wingers, is incredible aggressive in the press and is smooth when driving with the ball.

Contracted at the Emirates until 2028, Arsenal should be looking to reward Timber with a new deal that reflects his imperative status within Arteta’s squad.

Of the senior players at Arsenal, only Jakub Kiwior and Neto earn less money than Timber, despite his importance to the team.

Arsenal players on £110,000-per-week or less
PlayerWage
Jorginho£110k
Kieran Tierney£110k
Gabriel Magalhaes£100k
Takehiro Tomiyasu£100k
David Raya£100k
Jurrien Timber£90k
Leandro Trossard£90k
Jakub Kiwior£58k
Neto£50k
All wages courtesy of Capology – correct as of 04/02/2025

Arsenal could easily offer the Netherlands international significantly improved terms, as well as a longer-term deal, without breaking their wage structure.

The right-back has merited a new deal, and tying him down will reduce the small chance that he looks to agitate for a move if interest were to arise.

Arsenal FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Jurrien Timber has excelled this season

There were mild concerns about how Timber would fare this season after returning from such a damaging injury.

These fears may have been exacerbated when Ben White underwent surgery on his knee back in Novemeber.

However, the versatile defender has been excellent, quelling any concerns with a string of superb performances.

Described as ‘outstanding’ by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Timber has massively contributed to Arsenal establishing themselves as one of the best defences in world football.

The Gunners must do everything in their power to ensure he commits his long-term future to the club.