Arsenal have now opened talks with Martin Odegaard over a new contract, with discussions taking place recently to get moving towards a deal.

Charles Watts reports to TEAMtalk that Arsenal are looking to get a deal done with Martin Odegaard to extend his contract with the club, with talks taking place fairly recently.

The Norwegian midfielder is considered integral to Mikel Arteta’s side, and Arsenal are reportedly really starting to step up talks with his agent now.

Watts adds that there’s no rush at this stage, warning that these conversations can drag on throughout the season, but Arsenal want to reward their club captain for his performances and they’re in contact with his camp to make it happen.

Arsenal have done a lot of good business over the last 12 months or so, making important signings and extending the contracts of a number of key players.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba are just some of the players to extend their deals this year. It seems Odegaard and Ben White are next on the list.

Odegaard has a contract with Arsenal until 2025, though the club have an option to extend it to 2026.

Speaking to the media in June, Odegaard said he hadn’t held new contract talks with Arsenal yet, but he was more than happy in north London.

“I’m very happy at Arsenal and I hope to stay here for a long time,” Odegaard said. “Let’s see on contract situation after the summer.

“I didn’t speak to Arsenal, it’s not on me honestly; no rush, my contract is still long.”

Odegaard made 37 Premier League appearances in Arsenal’s 38 games in 2022/23, starting all 37. Only Ramsdale, Gabriel, and Saka played more of the league campaign.

The midfielder scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in the league, making it his best-ever league goal contributions tally for a season (eclipsing his 18 with Vitesse in 2018/19).