Arsenal have option to extend 24yo’s contract amid new deal talks

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal will soon hold negotiations with Martin Odegaard over a new long-term contract for the midfielder.

Romano writes that the Norwegian international loves the club, and Arsenal want him to be part of their long-term project.

Mikel Arteta’s current captain, Odegaard has a contract with Arsenal until 2025, but Romano confirms that they have an option to extend to 2026.

That gives Arsenal a bit more flexibility at the moment, effectively leaving him under contract for another three years.

But there’s clearly a desire from Arsenal’s end to capitalise on the current situation, with Odegaard playing well as a starter in an improving Arsenal side preparing for Champions League football.

If everyone is happy with how things are going, now seems like a good time to make Odegaard the next player to extend his deal.

Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Aaron Ramsdale, and Bukayo Saka have already extended their contracts this season, and Arsenal are also in talks with William Saliba and reportedly preparing to open discussions with Ben White.

Odegaard has made 36 Premier League appearances in Arsenal’s 37 games this season, starting all 36. Only Ramsdale, Gabriel, and Saka have played more of the league campaign.

The midfielder has 15 goals and seven assists in the league with a game to go, making this his best-ever league goal contributions tally for a season (eclipsing his 18 with Vitesse in 2018/19).