Timber Deal on the Brink as Arsenal Accelerate Summer Plans

Arsenal's summer window is already shifting into gear, with the Gunners increasingly optimistic about locking down one of their standout performers while simultaneously eyeing attacking reinforcements.

Jurrien Timber appears set to become the next Arsenal player to commit his future to the club. The right-back has emerged as one of the Premier League's elite in his position, and negotiations over a new deal have been progressing steadily since before Christmas. Club insiders view the contract extension as a formality at this stage—a matter of when rather than if. The Dutch international is in line for a meaningful salary bump as part of the agreement, with Arsenal expecting the deal wrapped up before the World Cup.

The Gunners have certainly felt Timber's absence through injury, with Ben White unable to fill the void left by the former Ajax defender. That gap underlines just how crucial Timber has become to Mikel Arteta's project, particularly with the side still chasing silverware on multiple fronts this season.

Beyond extensions for established stars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly over the past year, Arsenal are now preparing for the outgoings that will fund their summer ambitions.

The Leao Option

One intriguing possibility has emerged on the attacking front. Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao for £43.1m, according to reports. The Italian club has approached several Premier League heavyweights about a potential sale.

Manchester United have been among those sounded out, though their interest remains in the preliminary stages after previous work on the Brazilian. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been contacted, with the latter trio having previously tracked Leao and maintaining an appreciation of his qualities.

With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard potentially facing moves away, adding another attacking option would address a clear priority for the north London outfit as they balance the books following recent heavy investment in the squad.