Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard
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Captains who have led a side to a first league title in more than two decades often become priorities for new contracts. Positive early-season form after previous injury interruptions strengthens the case for an extension. Clubs that have already secured the manager’s future tend to turn their attention to key players whose deals still have time to run.
Talks that are described as free of major obstacles can still require the selling side to make a clear commitment. The player’s contentment at the club reduces the likelihood of external interest derailing the process. Previous speculation about a potential sale has been set aside once performances improve.
Nearly 250 appearances and a balanced contribution of goals and assists provide the statistical background. An excellent World Cup campaign adds further weight. The combination of those factors has shifted the club’s stance from considering a sale to prioritising a renewal.
Arsenal are going all out to agree a new deal with Martin Odegaard. The club remain “very happy” with the 27-year-old’s performances in the early stages of the 2026/27 season and the captain remains pivotal to Mikel Arteta’s plans at Arsenal.
Odegaard is content at the club, and the two parties have come close to an agreement. Talks with his representatives are not expected to encounter “bumps in the road”, while Arsenal are “doing everything they can” to secure the captain on a new contract. His current deal runs until the summer of 2028.
🚨Arsenal are closing in on securing a new long-term contract for club captain Martin Odegaard.
His current deal expires at the end of next season and the club are set to make him one of the highest paid players in the Premier League to secure his prime years in North London.
Martin Odegaard remains pivotal to Mikel Arteta.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) October 16, 2026
The Norwegian joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2021, first on loan and then permanently for around £30 million. He has made nearly 250 appearances, scoring 46 goals and providing 46 assists. Persistent fitness issues in recent seasons created uncertainty about his long-term future, including reports that the club might consider a sale to raise funds.
Those suggestions have been overtaken by events. Odegaard produced an excellent campaign at the 2026 World Cup and has started the new season strongly, with four goals in 10 outings. Arsenal will not entertain the possibility of cashing in on him, and recent reports have identified his renewal as a priority.
Contract discussions are now under way. With the player happy at the Emirates and no significant obstacles anticipated, an announcement could follow in the coming weeks. The club’s approach reflects the importance placed on retaining the core of the squad that delivered the title last season.
Odegaard’s leadership and contributions remain central to Arsenal’s plans. The focus on securing his future follows Mikel Arteta’s own new contract and sits alongside efforts to extend other key players. The negotiations are expected to progress smoothly given the alignment between both sides.