Arsenal are working to secure the futures of several key figures after completing another significant summer transfer window.
The Gunners strengthened Mikel Arteta‘s squad with Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli completed a £60 million move to Al Hilal after becoming Arsenal’s record sale.
Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard also departed, while Arsenal sent highly-rated midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
Those changes followed Arsenal’s first Premier League title triumph in 22 years and preceded an unbeaten start to their defence.
Arteta’s side beat Coventry City 3-0 before securing a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa through Bukayo Saka’s second-half goal.
Attention has now turned towards contracts, with Arsenal aiming to retain important members of their title-winning setup.
According to TEAMtalk, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are all in talks over new contracts.
Negotiations with the three players are advancing alongside discussions over a fresh agreement for Arteta.
The manager’s existing contract expires at the end of this season, with negotiations over an extension ongoing since January.
Arsenal accelerated those discussions during the summer, although Arteta wanted the hierarchy to prioritise contracts for key players first.
Talks with Arteta have progressed well, and Arsenal expect an agreement to be reached by the September international break.
That break begins on September 25, giving the club a potential timeframe to finalise the manager’s new terms.
Arteta has managed Arsenal since 2019 and has now taken charge of more than 350 matches for the club.
Furthermore, TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal increasingly expect the Spaniard to commit his future to the Premier League champions.
The club are simultaneously progressing negotiations with Rice, Odegaard and Timber as part of their wider contract strategy.
The Gunners want to reward figures central to their plans and protect the core of Arteta’s squad for the coming years.
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