Bayern Munich Ready to Pounce On Arsenal Captain Martin Ødegaard
The German giants are monitoring the Norwegian playmaker’s contract standoff in North London, weighing a blockbuster move as the Gunners battle to secure their captain’s long-term future.
Bayern Munich are ready to pounce on a move for Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard according to a report from Sky Sports in Germany.
The German giants have held a longstanding interest in the 27 year-old, and have maintained contact with his camp for several seasons according to reports.
Ødegaard has a contract with the Gunners until 2028, and the north London side want to do everything to stop the Norwegian international entering into the last year of his contract. The board have held initial informal talks over an extension to keep him at the club.
According to the story from Sky Germany, Arsenal would consider selling their captain next summer, but only in the extreme case that they cannot find an agreement on a long-term extension. Several European heavyweights have also enquired about his situation.
Losing Ødegaard would pose a huge structural revamp for Arsenal and Arteta in the creative department, but the good news for the Gunners is that the 34-time Bundesliga champions are currently not prioritising a move despite his reported ‘openness.’
For Arsenal, there is huge admiration for their club captain and there is a full expectation that he will sign if the club and his entourage can come to an agreement.
Arsenal initially signed Ødegaard from Real Madrid on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, and then made his move permanent in August 2021 for a fee of £30million. Arsenal then made him club captain in July 2022 following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Martin Ødegaard celebrates after his winning goal against Chelsea in September (IMAGO / Sportimage)
Martin Ødegaard celebrates after his winning goal against Chelsea in September (IMAGO / Sportimage)
Ødegaard has made 248 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 46 goals and providing 47 assists. The Norwegian captained Arteta’s side to their first Premier League in 22 years, though endured a tough 2025/26 campaign, missing large parts of the season through an ankle injury that he picked up whilst on international duty with Norway. He only managed to score one goal and provide eight assists for Arsenal during the campaign.
This season, the ‘old’ Ødegaard seems to have resurfaced. He has played the majority of the available minutes for Arsenal, featuring in 14 matches for The Gunners so far this season. He has scored four goals, including winners against Chelsea in the Premier League and Napoli in the Champions League. He has also provided a singular assist.
According to TransferMarkt, Ødegaard has a transfer value of £67million, but in the unlikely event of selling their club captain, Arsenal would be hoping for a value that far exceeds this.
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