Arsenal make sudden U-turn on Martin Odegaard's future
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s future has been a big talking point in recent months.
The Norway international was nowhere near his best in the last two seasons, mainly because of multiple injury issues.
That led to rumours that Arsenal could sell Odegaard in the summer. There has been a feeling that he could be moved on next year, when he enters the final year of his contract, just like Gabriel Martinelli.
However, it looks like the Gunners have changed their minds.
Arsenal are advancing on a new contract for Martin Odegaard
As stated above, Martin Odegaard will enter the final year of his contract next summer.
If Arsenal wanted to cash in on him, the recently concluded transfer window would’ve been the right time to get decent value.
However, Mikel Arteta made it clear that Odegaard was going nowhere, and that may have been the right decision because the Norwegian has been incredible since he reported for pre-season.
That seems to have convinced Arsenal to make a U-turn on their plans to move him on.
TeamTalk have revealed that the Gunners are advancing on multiple contract extensions, one of which is for Odegaard.
Talks with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber over new deals are also said to be progressing well, with a conclusion expected in the not-too-distant future.
New contracts for Rice and Timber are no surprise at all, but there was some doubt over Odegaard’s future. That seems to be cleared now.
A new contract for Martin Odegaard makes perfect sense
Arsenal need more from Odegaard, and he will be the first to admit that he hasn’t been at his usual level over the last two seasons.
However, something has changed since he lifted the Premier League title.
Odegaard had a stunning World Cup with Norway, and he hasn’t put a foot wrong since returning for pre-season in the summer.
Extending Odegaard’s deal to prevent him from entering the final year of his contract is a very smart move and makes complete sense.
It would also keep Arsenal’s attacking midfield position secure until Max Dowman or Ethan Nwaneri are ready to cement their place in that role.
We think it’s a no-brainer for Arsenal to tie their skipper down to a new deal.
