Arsenal want to address two key contract situations during the international break
Arsenal head into the international break off the back of an alarming 3-0 loss to Brighton.
Frustrating as it is in the immediate aftermath, it at least gives Mikel Arteta’s side time to breathe and reflect on the performance. It’s also a good time for the club to deal with any matters away from the pitch. And there are some important ones to address.
According to Flashscore, Arsenal are looking to make progress on the contracts of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard during this break. Both have less than two years left on their contracts and Arsenal want to get their next deals sorted before they enter the final 18 months.
The pair are two of Arteta’s most important players, on and off the pitch. Neither has any desire to leave North London, so tying both down to new deals should be straightforward.
Discussions with Rice are already active and seem to be moving smoothly. Although his initial 2023 contract runs until 2028 with a club-held 12-month option that effectively extends it to 2029, Arsenal want to secure his long-term future at the Emirates with an increase on his £260,000-a-week wages.
Odegaard, who also earns £260,000-a-week, is keen to remain at Arsenal, and after his upturn in form this season, the club are willing to reward him, having last been renewed in September 2023.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are not the only contract situations Arsenal are focused on
They’re not the only ones either. Talks with Jurrien Timber are actually believed to be the most advanced, with Arsenal wanting to lock him down with a salary increase following his injury recovery.
David Raya and Kai Havertz also have deals that expire in 2028, and although viewed as less immediate, they are another two situations Arsenal plan to update incrementally over the next twelve months.
And then, of course, there is Arteta himself. His deal expires in 2027 and another three-year extension is expected to be finalised once minor details with Andrea Berta are wrapped up. This break has been identified as an ideal moment for that to happen.