‘I will like to take this bold step in my career’: Odegaard has already hinted at Arsenal transfer decision today after Pep Guardiola line up £110m swoop to sign the Norwegian Captain to replace Injured Kelvin De Bruyne
Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard has already hinted that he will stay for a “long time” amid reports suggesting talks have opened over a new contract.
The playmaker joined the Gunners in January 2021, on an initial loan deal that saw him try and help the side recover from their struggles during the campaign. While they didn’t quite do so, Odegaard impressed in his short stint and led to a permanent transfer in the summer.
Since then, the side have continued to take it up the gears, narrowly missing out on the Champions League the following season, then becoming title challengers the one after that. At the heart of it has been an ever-improving Odegaard, who has continued to reach new heights.
Last campaign, the Norwegian international was entrusted with the captaincy, with Mikel Arteta claiming he would help raise standards. He did just that too, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League season with eight assists thrown into the mix too, making him a more prolific chance creator and finisher.
Floating in the background is potential concerns over the remaining contract he has at the club, with the 24-year-old having just two-years left on the deal. Reporter Charles Watts has claimed that the Gunners are starting to prioritise a contract renewal for Odegaard in the coming weeks.
Having become such a key player, Arsenal will be keen not to lose him, however he may have already hinted at his decision long ago. Speaking to the Players’ Tribune in February, the midfielder discussed his life growing up, Real Madrid and eventually his move to Arsenal, the captaincy and title challenge.
When discussing the captaincy in particular, Odegaard said: “I will say this, though, if there’s anyone left who still doesn’t fully believe in this team, take it from me: there are no limits on what we can achieve. No one can tell me otherwise. I’m so proud to be captain of this club and I feel like I’m going to be here a long time.”
The last bit in particular could hint at his decision to stay and will lay the foundations for positive talks to keep another key player around for the long-term.
