Arsenal open Odegaard talks - fourth completed deal ready - Sources

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

30th May, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: Arsenal open Martin Odegaard talks - fourth completed deal ready

Arsenal have opened early talks with captain Martin Odegaard over a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that the 24-year-old is set to be rewarded for his fine form despite having more than two years left to run on his current deal.

Arsenal are keen to give Odegaard new and improved terms after wrapping up agreements with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Aaron Ramsdale.

The Norway international, who was given the armband by Mikel Arteta following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exit, played a huge part in the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge this season.

He notched 15 goals and eight assists in 37 league appearances, playing a further eight times in cup and European competitions.

Odegaard joined Arsenal on an initial loan from Real Madrid in 2021.

He made the move permanent later that year, signing a four-year deal after the Gunners paid Real a reported fee of £30million plus bonuses.

The 24-year-old has notched 24 goals and 15 assists across 105 total appearances for the north London club.

Odegaard, who hit fame when he joined Real Madrid as a 16-year-old, currently earns a reported wage of £115,000-a-week on his Arsenal contract.

Arteta’s side recently announced a new four-year deal for star man Bukayo Saka, which reportedly earns him £195,000-a-week.

An extension for defender William Saliba is yet to be finalised – despite the France international having just over 12 months remaining on his current agreement.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month (9 May) that Arsenal remain confident of extending Saliba’s Emirates Stadium stay.

The Gunners will play Champions League football in the 2023-24 campaign for the first time since 2017.

In other news, Arsenal “happy” to sell £30million star.