While on international duty, Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, clarifies his allegiance to the club amid reports Arsenal are preparing a new contract for him.

• Odegaard was instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign last season, contributing with 15 goals and 7 assists.
• Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal are keen to retain and renew Odegaard’s contract.
• The Norwegian captain praises emerging talent, Antonio Nusa, a talented teenager linked with Arsenal.

 

Martin Odegaard has publicly expressed his strong affection and commitment to the North London club.

Last season, under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta, Odegaard was a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s surprising tilt at the Premier League title, netting 15 goals and setting up seven more.

Such performances don’t go unnoticed; French footballing powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain expressed an interest in the 24-year-old Norwegian playmaker over the summer.

However, insiders know that Arsenal were never in the mood to part ways with their talented playmaker.

The club’s commitment to their captain was further highlighted by the proactive measures taken earlier in the year.

Arsenal’s intent became clear when reports, particularly from Standard Sport, suggested that the club was, unsurprisingly, keen on renewing Odegaard’s contract after securing the futures of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Odegaard’s current deal at the Emirates runs up until the summer of 2025.

Given his exemplary displays on the pitch, Arsenal’s hierarchy are eager to cement his long-term future at the club.

When quizzed about the ongoing contract negotiations and his future, Odegaard was direct yet measured in his response to the Norwegian outlet Nettavisen: “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.

“Beyond that, I have no comment right now. Now, it is the national team that is in focus.”

In addition to his club duties, Odegaard is a significant presence on the international stage, captaining the Norway national team.

During the current international break, he praised emerging Norwegian talent, Antonio Nusa. Nusa, incidentally has been briefly linked with a move to Arsenal.

Nusa played a crucial role in Norway’s 2-1 triumph over Georgia in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday night. The 18-year-old assisted both Norway’s goals that were scored by Erling Haaland and Odegaard himself.

“Fantastic! He’s an incredibly exciting player,” remarked a visibly impressed Odegaard to TV2 about Nusa.

“You see it, every time he gets the ball, it’s exciting. He is still young and will get even better. It was cool to see him. He deserved to get the chance that he takes it to such an extent. Incredibly cool!”