Mikel Arteta is optimistic over a contract extension for Martin Odegaard, with the club increasingly confident he’ll sign a new deal soon.
In the wake of the recent rumours around a potential contract extension for Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media about the possibility of a new deal.
“He’s our captain. He’s a massive player for us, a really important player for us now and for the future,” Arteta said. “We’re extremely happy to have him and want to keep him here for a long time.
“I’m always optimistic and we have a really good relationship with him and his agent. We are really close to them and, whenever that’s confirmed, we’ll announce it.”
ESPN are the latest outlet to confirm that negotiations are progressing positively, reporting that Arsenal are increasingly confident of agreeing a contract extension.
The Daily Mail recently wrote that Odegaard is in advanced talks over a new Arsenal contract, with negotiations said to be progressing positively on an initial four-year deal.
The Mail add that Odegaard would receive a pay increase on his current £120,000-a-week deal, with growing hope that there will be a positive resolution to talks.
Fabrizio Romano added that Arsenal have received positive feedback from Odegaard and his camp over an extension, with negotiations advancing.
Romano claims the player always wanted to stay, and it’s now considered just a matter of time for the two parties to reach an agreement.
Odegaard had spoken about his contract situation earlier in the week, but he wasn’t giving anything away at the time.
“I don’t have much to say, apart from the fact that I am very happy at Arsenal and I hope I can be there for a long time,” Odegaard said.
“Beyond that, I have no comment right now. Now, it is the national team that is in focus.”
The Gunners captain has an existing contract with Arsenal until 2025, though the club have an option to extend it to 2026.
The contract extension is likely to run to 2027, with the option to extend for a further year.