At Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s work on continuity is moving as confidently as its early-season football. With Mikel Arteta already committed through 2030 and Declan Rice nearing fresh terms, the London club are now close to securing another central figure: captain Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal move to protect Odegaard’s future
Odegaard’s present agreement runs until 2028, yet Arsenal are advancing plans for a new deal for the 27-year-old Norway international. The midfielder has been a leading figure in Arteta’s side, both as the club captain and as a key voice within the dressing room.
- On Wednesday, Arsenal confirmed that Arteta had extended his contract until 2030.
- Later the same day, reports indicated that Rice, also 27, was close to agreeing a contract extension.
- Arsenal have subsequently stepped up their efforts to renew Odegaard’s deal, despite his existing contract having several years left to run.
The proposed terms would place Odegaard among the highest earners at the Premier League champions. Arsenal intend to bring his salary in line with Bukayo Saka, the 25-year-old England international who is currently the squad’s best-paid player on approximately €410,000 per week.
A leader since the Madrid loan
Odegaard first arrived in north London in January 2021, joining on loan from Real Madrid. Arsenal made the move permanent that August in a €35 million transfer, and he has since become inseparable from the Arteta era.
His influence has extended beyond his technical quality. Odegaard has led Arsenal on the pitch, taken the captaincy of Norway as well, and begun the current campaign in particularly strong form.
Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and several major European sides has underlined his standing in the continental game. Arsenal, however, are seeking to remove any uncertainty around the midfielder’s future as they build around the players who carried them to the Premier League title.
