In a shocking twist for Arsenal fans, club captain Martin Odegaard is reportedly ready to leave the team this summer. The Norwegian midfielder has a value of around £80 million. He wants a new challenge despite Arsenal’s strong season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be open to selling him if the right offer comes in place.
Who is Martin Odegaard?
Martin Odegaard is a 27-year-old attacking midfielder from Norway. He joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 and soon became a well known star. Arsenal made the deal permanent, and in 2022, he was named captain after big names like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang left. He is known for his vision, passing, and leadership. Martin Odegaard has helped Arsenal challenge for the Premier League title. He signed a new contract until 2028. This shows his commitment at the time. But now, the things seem to have changed.
Martin Odegaard started his career young. He joined Real Madrid at 16. His loans to other clubs helped him grow before he found a home at Arsenal. He played over 150 games for the Gunners, scoring important goals and creating chances. Fans love his calm style and work rate.
Reasons for Wanting to Quit
Odegaard’s desire to leave stems from a drop in his influence on the team. This season, his performances have faced criticism from fans and pundits. Arsenal is flying high—top of the Premier League by four points, through to the Champions League last 16, and in cup competitions. Yet, Odegaard hasn’t shone as brightly. Some say he lost his spark in midfield.
Fans are calling for changes, suggesting players like Eberechi Eze or young Ethan Nwaneri to take his spot. Nwaneri, on loan at Marseille, is seen as a future star. If Odegaard isn’t fully committed, a fresh start could help him regain form. At 27, he might want to try a new league or club to boost his career.
🚨 Martin Ødegaard is reportedly considering a potential exit from Arsenal, with concrete interest from Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Reports in Spain claim Bayern, led by Vincent Kompany, see him as a key part of their midfield rebuild, while Inter believe he would be the… pic.twitter.com/FQI58LxRL9
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) January 29, 2026
Interested Clubs and Potential Move
Two big European teams are watching Odegaard closely: Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. Both have shown real interest in signing him. Bayern, a German giant, could offer Champions League football and a strong squad. Inter, from Italy, might appeal with their recent Serie A wins.
Arsenal won’t let him go cheap. They’re asking for at least £80 million, which would be their biggest ever sale. This high price might scare off buyers, but if Odegaard pushes for a move, talks could happen. His contract runs until 2028, so Arsenal holds the power. A summer transfer seems likely, giving time to find a replacement.
Arsenal’s Stance and Arteta’s View
Mikel Arteta doesn’t want to lose his captain. Odegaard has been “phenomenal” under him, key to turning Arsenal into contenders. But the reports say Arteta is in preparation to sell if Odegaard wants out and a good bid arrives. This pragmatic approach fits Arsenal’s need to follow Premier League financial rules. Selling could free up cash for new signings.
Impact on Arsenal’s Future
If Odegaard leaves, it could shake Arsenal’s title push. He’s the heartbeat of their attack, linking midfield to forwards. But a big fee would help buy top talent, keeping the team strong. Fans might be sad, but success breeds tough choices.
Conclusion
Martin Odegaard’s potential exit is big news for Arsenal. The £80 million star is ready to quit for a new adventure, and Mikel Arteta is open to a sale. With Bayern and Inter interested, summer could bring drama. This shows how football changes fast—even captains aren’t forever. Arsenal fans hope for the best, whether he stays or goes.
More on ARSENAL:
Follow Six Sports on