Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been linked with a potential exit from the Emirates in recent months, with persistent injury issues reducing his importance to the Gunners. However, Mikel Arteta continues to place full trust in his skipper, who is understood to be keen on committing his future to the club by signing a new contract.
Odegaard has hardly featured over the last month, with a recurring knee problem keeping him on the sidelines for extended periods. The Norwegian has been limited to just over 1,000 minutes of Premier League action this term, and many have started to question whether he is edging towards being surplus to requirements in N5.
Despite this outside noise, Arsenal have no plans to sell Odegaard, and a further update has now emerged indicating that he’s not only unlikely to leave, but looking to extend his stay in North London.
Martin Odegaard to open contract talks at Arsenal
Since returning from a significant ankle injury that kept him out for three months between September and November 2024, Odegaard has struggled to rediscover his best form. Not only have fresh fitness issues inhibited his ability to contribute, but he’s also struggled to produce at the high level expected from him when he has been on the pitch.
For these reasons, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Arsenal opted to cash in over the summer, and utilise the likes of Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri in the 27-year-old’s role moving forward. However, sources close to the player and Arsenal insist that this is not the case.
According to TEAMtalk, Odegaard intends to sign a new contract in the coming months, as he remains determined to prove how important he is to Arsenal. This is despite interest emerging from Inter Milan and Juventus, both of whom hold ambitious hopes of luring the playmaker to Northern Italy.
| Progressive Passes per 90 leaders in the Premier League 2024/25 (5+ 90s only) | |
| Martin Odegaard | 9.72 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 9.46 |
| Adam Wharton | 8.84 |
| Bruno Fernandes | 8.69 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | 8.24 |
| James Maddison | 8.19 |
TEAMtalk report that Odegaard is still fully committed to Arteta’s project and is eager to get his hands on multiple pieces of silverware over the coming years.
“Martin is happy,” a source close to the outlet said. “He has been frustrated that injuries have stopped him from being more involved, but he is as committed as ever to Arsenal.”
His current deal expires in 2028, and sporting director Andrea Berta is expected to entertain negotiations with the former Real Madrid man’s camp to extend this arrangement. It remains to be seen what the potential terms of the contract would look like, although it’s likely any wage increase would be minimal, given his current standing in Arsenal’s wage structure.
Arsenal should be cautious when offering Martin Odegaard a new deal
At his best, Odegaard is an outstanding footballer. Boasting exceptional passing ability and immaculate tactical awareness, he’s the creative hub and beating heart of Arsenal’s midfield when he’s playing to his highest level.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, it is possible, although not massively likely, that his best days are behind him. While only 27, he suffered a significant injury which has clearly impacted his athletic capabilities, and in such a physical league, this could hinder him.
He could, of course, prove to be perfectly fine from an athletic standpoint and rediscover his best form. It’s likely enough to justify a new contract that keeps him at the Emirates beyond 2028, although Berta should be careful with the terms of the deal.
If he is indeed unable to reach his best level again, then the Gunners can’t have him languishing around the club until his mid-30s. An extension until 2029 or 2030, with a marginal wage increase, makes sense for both parties.
