Martin Odegaard has played down suggestions that he’s in serious contract discussions with Arsenal, whilst adding that he’s still hoping to stay for the long term.
Recent reports suggested that Arsenal were pushing to extend Martin Odegaard’s contract, and that they’d already held initial informal talks with their club captain.
Odegaard’s deal lasts until 2028, but as one of the key players of Mikel Arteta’s side, there will likely be a desire to see him sticking around beyond that deadline.
But Odegaard has played down the media’s claims over the international break, telling the Norwegian press that the two parties haven’t had much contact over an extension.
“We haven’t talked about it much,” Odegaard said. “First and foremost, the focus is now on what’s happening on the pitch, so everyone knows the situation. I’m happy and hope I can be there (at Arsenal) for a long time to come, but so far we haven’t started on that.
“There is no stress about it. I am where I am, and I am super happy with it. Things are going well, and it is not something I am stressed about. As I said, I want to be there for a long time to come. I am enjoying myself a lot.”
At 27, Odegaard clearly still has the potential to be playing at the top level for many years to come.
The 2025/26 campaign was a little concerning on the injury front, with Odegaard suffering seven separate setbacks ruling him out for a total of 30 games for club and country.
So perhaps it’s understandable that Arsenal didn’t get working on the contract extension sooner, as they would have wanted to ensure that Odegaard would eventually be able to return to full fitness.
But that full recovery now seems to have happened. Odegaard has only missed one game (for Norway) since June 7th, featuring in the other 27 games available to him. That includes a run of 24 matches for club and country without an unused sub appearance or a squad absence.
Extension talks will surely get going sooner or later, it’s just a matter of time.
- Arsenal 27yo plays down contract extension talkMartin Odegaard has played down suggestions that he’s in serious contract discussions with Arsenal, whilst adding that he’s still hoping to stay for the long term.
- Arsenal international provides fantastic assist in Ecuador winPiero Hincapie provided an assist in Ecuador’s win over Costa Rica overnight, as well as helping the team to keep a clean sheet.
- Arsenal 27yo helps keep Germany’s Nations League campaign aliveKai Havertz had a major impact in a Germany win over Serbia on Friday night, giving his country a shot at making the Nations League quarter-finals. Trailing the top-two by three points ahead of Friday’s game, Germany knew they couldn’t afford to slip up away to Serbia. If results went against them, they might have…
- 3 Arsenal youngsters feature as Dowman breaks England recordMax Dowman came off the bench to become the England u21s’ youngest-ever player on Friday, with Tommy Setford and Ethan Nwaneri also featuring in the match.
- Arsenal defender scores international brace playing out of positionJurrien Timber starred for the Netherlands playing at left-back on Friday night, scoring a brace in a win over Greece and Arsenal teammate Christos Tzolis.