Rice, Odegaard and Timber all set to sign Arsenal contract extensions before January

Arsenal are on the verge of securing the long-term futures of three of their most important players, with contract extensions for Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber all reported to be on track for completion before the end of 2026.

According to TEAMtalk, the trio’s new deals are “on course to be finalised” before 2027, providing manager Mikel Arteta with a significant boost as the Gunners sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League after winning nine of their opening ten fixtures.

The news follows Arteta himself signing a contract extension earlier in 2026 to remain at the club until 2029, and comes as Arsenal assess the January transfer window for attacking reinforcements, with Antonio Nusa understood to be high on their list of targets.

Odegaard’s renewal will come as a relief given reported interest from Bayern Munich. The Norwegian captain has enjoyed a resurgent season after returning from injury, most recently scoring the winner against Hull City. Since taking the captaincy in 2022/23, he has been central to Arsenal’s rise under Arteta.

Rice, still Arsenal’s all-time record signing, has grown into arguably the club’s most influential player. He claimed Player of the Match honours against Liverpool last week, providing the assist for Kai Havertz’s winner, and has even captained the side in Odegaard’s absence.

Timber, 25, has established himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back despite competition from Ben White, and his extension would represent a significant commitment to a player who has continued to develop since arriving from Ajax.

Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture is away at Newcastle United when club football resumes after the international break.