Arsenal could see as many as nine players become eligible to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs within just over a year, placing sporting director Berta under pressure to resolve their futures.
Under the Bosman ruling, players can leave without a transfer fee when their contracts expire. Unless the group renew with Arsenal, the club could either lose them for nothing in the summer of 2025 or sell them beforehand to limit the financial impact.
Berta, who was appointed in March 2024, must decide whether to risk losing the players on free transfers after next season or agree new contracts in time. He has already helped Arsenal retain several important members of the squad, with Saka the latest to commit his future to the club.
Arsenal have also lost players on free transfers or for relatively small fees in recent years, reducing potential revenue by millions of pounds. Real Madrid have shown how valuable such opportunities can be, recently signing Konate and Bernardo Silva on free transfers from Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
Football.London has compiled a list of the nine Arsenal players who could require new deals. According to Transfermarkt, their combined current market value is €413 million (£352.5 million).
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United for £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons and signed a five-year contract. The 27-year-old midfielder has since established himself among the best midfielders in the world, helping Arsenal challenge for the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final.
Ødegaard also agreed a five-year extension soon after Arsenal completed the Rice deal, keeping the captain at the club until at least June 2029. Following several inconsistent seasons, he has made an excellent start to the current campaign and is considered deserving of another improved contract.
Timber signed a five-year deal after moving from Ajax in the summer of 2023 for approximately £38 million. The 25-year-old defender sustained a cruciate ligament injury on his Premier League debut but has recovered impressively from a difficult beginning to his North London career.
Havertz arrived from Chelsea for £65 million in summer 2023 on a five-year contract, forming part of Arsenal’s recruitment drive after Arteta’s first unsuccessful Premier League title challenge.
David Raya agreed a four-year contract when his move from Brentford was made permanent in July 2024, following a 12-month loan. The 31-year-old is likely to remain first choice because Arsenal have no significantly better alternative.
Ben White signed a four-year extension in summer 2024, although Arsenal hold an option to add a further 12 months.
Merino joined from Real Sociedad in August 2024 on a four-year deal worth up to £31.6 million. The 30-year-old has become popular at Emirates and has contributed goals while Arsenal have lacked a natural centre-forward.
Meslier arrived from Leeds United on a free transfer this summer after the club declined to renew the 26-year-old goalkeeper’s contract. Kepa, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea last year after a loan spell at Bournemouth, signed a three-year deal, but his displays have been unconvincing when selected by Arteta.
With December 2026 approaching, Arsenal cannot expect all nine players to renew before then, leaving Berta with immediate decisions to make.
