Barcelona are weighing an audacious swoop for Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard next year, according to reports in Spain. The 26-year-old has become the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side and any approach would meet fierce resistance from North London.
Ødegaard joined Arsenal in a £30 million deal from Real Madrid and has since grown into the club’s on-field leader. He is settled, central to the project which makes a transfer difficult, even for a club of Barcelona’s stature.
The La Liga champions are still a major draw, yet Arsenal are competing for major honours and building for the long term. With those dynamics in play, prising away the captain looks a long shot unless something changes dramatically.
Barcelona eye Martin Ødegaard
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Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Barcelona are plotting a move for Ødegaard. The idea is clear: add a top-level creator who can dictate games at the highest level. But identifying the target is the easy part. Turning admiration into a viable bid is another challenge entirely.
Arsenal have no incentive to weaken a core piece of their midfield. Ødegaard’s influence stretches beyond goals and assists. He sets the tone off the ball and carries the armband. That combination is not easily replaced in January or in the summer.
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From Arsenal’s perspective, the logic is simple. Selling the captain would send the wrong message for a club pushing for trophies. The Gunners have been aggressive in recent windows to raise standards and depth. Letting a foundational player go would undercut that work.
There is also the player’s own situation. Ødegaard is thriving at Arsenal (despite the injury problems off late) and has no reason to force an exit. When the project aligns with ambition, stability often wins. Expect Arsenal to defend their position if any offer lands.
Barcelona financial difficulties
Even if Barcelona push, finances complicate the picture. The Catalan giants have been working through well-documented constraints, and Ødegaard would command a major fee. That reality puts pressure on any pursuit and limits room for manoeuvre.
Barcelona do have alternatives on their list, including other attacking midfield profiles such as Scott McTominay. Exploring different price points may prove more realistic than chasing Arsenal’s captain at the peak of his influence.
In practical terms, little changes for Arsenal. They must hold their base together to maintain momentum. Keeping Ødegaard is central to that plan. Interest from abroad is a by-product of success, not a trigger to sell.
Related Items:Barcelona, Latest Martin Odegaard News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update
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