Writing in the Mail+ Transfer Confidential newsletter, Simon Jones reports that Paris Saint-Germain have made surprise soundings for Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, ahead of the summer window.
However, Jones adds that the move looks doomed, with Odegaard key to Mikel Arteta’s plans and happy in London.
Arsenal have a large summer transfer budget and can add to it with sales, but they don’t want Odegaard to go.
Mikel Arteta’s current captain, Odegaard has a contract with Arsenal until 2025, and the club have an option to extend to 2026.
Arsenal deals summer 2023 – Latest Arsenal injury updates and news
But Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Arsenal will soon hold negotiations with Odegaard over a new long-term contract.
He added that the Norwegian international loves the club, and Arsenal want him to be part of their long-term project.
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.
Given the reported interest from PSG, it could be all the more important to sort things out.
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 made 37 Premier League appearances in Arsenal’s 38 games in 2022/23, starting all 37. Only Ramsdale, Gabriel, and Saka played more of the league campaign.
The midfielder scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in the league, making this his best-ever league goal contributions tally for a season (eclipsing his 18 with Vitesse in 2018/19).
Arsenal deals summer 2023 – Latest Arsenal injury updates and news