Arsenal close to contract renewals for Odegaard, Rice and Timber

Arsenal are reportedly close to finalising contract renewals for Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber in a bid to shore up the core of Mikel Arteta's squad before the January transfer window, according to several outlets.

The Brazilian portal Placar writes that the Gunners' board are negotiating contract extensions with the three players to "blindar a espinha dorsal" of Arteta's team — to protect the spine of his side. FourFourTwo believes Arteta has been handed a huge boost as his team's season continues, while TEAMtalk claims the deals are "on course to be fully agreed by January," describing them as a major triple boost for the manager.

Club's intent

According to Placar, the club's directors are actively working on the negotiations, with a view to securing the long-term futures of Odegaard, Rice and Timber. The outlet did not provide a timeline for when the agreements might be signed, but the January deadline looms as a key marker.

Versions of the reports

All three sources agree that the negotiations are ongoing and progressing well. TEAMtalk, citing unnamed sources, goes furthest in claiming the deals are close to completion, while FourFourTwo frames the news as a positive development for the manager. Placar, meanwhile, focuses on the club's internal process, noting the trio are all starters under Arteta.

Neither the club nor the players have officially commented on the reports, and no financial terms were disclosed in any of the sources.

Next step

The three extensions, if completed, would represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal as they prepare for the busy winter period. For now, fans will await official confirmation from the club, with January serving as the reported target date.