Arsenal want to tie down Jurrien Timber to a new contract.
The defender has just under three years to run on his current deal, but is set to be rewarded for his fine form.
Timber has started six of Arsenal’s nine games this season and has been one of their best players.
Arsenal have now opened contract talks with the 24-year-old’s representatives and Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire for the Dutchman to sign fresh terms.
Asked if Timber was a case of a player deserving a new contract, Arteta replied: “Yes, 100 per cent.
“And especially the players that they want to be with us, and we want to attach our futures with them.
“And Jurrien is a really good example of someone that, especially under very difficult circumstances with a very early injury in his career, with a really difficult injury, the way he’s come back and what he’s doing for the team, it's phenomenal.
“I think he’s a really good example of another one that hopefully is going to have a long career with us.
“I rate him a lot. I don’t know how people rate him, but hopefully a lot because when you’re talking about a total player, he has almost every quality that you want from a defender.”
