With Norway continuing to progress at the World Cup, Arsenal fans have received some good news that Martin Odegaard is not in talks to join Galatasaray.
Martin Odegaard #10 of Norway reacts after fouled by Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Reports from Turkey last week suggested that Martin Odegaard’s agent was in Istanbul, and that the player’s camp had reached an agreement with Galatasaray over personal terms for a potential summer transfer.
But these reports have now been widely refuted, with Sam Dean of The Telegraph writing that Odegaard hasn’t been in talks to join Galatasaray, and that his agent wasn’t even in Turkey.
Tom Canton confirms for the Mirror that the rumours are entirely without foundation, and that Odegaard’s agent has been with him in the United States for the World Cup.
Martin Odegaard #10 of Norway celebrates after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Cote d'Ivoire and Norway at Dallas Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Canton’s report adds that Odegaard is believed to be very happy at Arsenal, and that the club are equally pleased with him. The player has had bad luck with his fitness over the last 12 months, but Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal squad continue to back him fully.
On the subject of Odegaard’s fitness, he continues to play full matches at the World Cup, which is both a good thing and a bad thing.
The positives are that he’s finally able to complete consecutive 90-minute games. Odegaard completed eight full matches during the entire 2025/26 club season, but he’s already managed three in just five games at the World Cup.
Martin Odegaard #10 of Norway crosses the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Cote d'Ivoire and Norway at Dallas Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
On the other hand, Norway’s continued progression means Odegaard’s summer break is being further delayed. A win over England this weekend would see Norway remaining at the tournament until at least the third-place play-off on July 18th, if not the final on July 19th.
From there, a minimum of three weeks off would mean an earliest possible return for Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly against Como 1907. And that would be the very soonest he could be back.
So whilst it’s great Odegaard is proving his fitness, there may be consequences for Arsenal down the road.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal lifts the Premier League trophy as players of Arsenal celebrate, as they are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season, after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League
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