Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has outlined his intention to stay at the Emirates Stadium for a "long time" amid rumours of a new-and-improved contract.
The 24-year-old is beginning to live up to the potential he showed as a teenager in his homeland, having failed to make the grade at Real Madrid.
After being handed the armband on a permanent basis following Alexandre Lacazette's exit, Odegaard ended the 2022-23 season with an impressive 15 goals and eight assists from 37 top-flight appearances under Mikel Arteta.
The Norway skipper was one of three Gunners players to hit the 15-goal mark alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, as Arsenal ensured a return to the Champions League with a second-placed finish.
Odegaard's contract with Arsenal is due to expire in the summer of 2025, but the Gunners are believed to be readying a lucrative new deal for their captain on the back of his stellar campaign.
© Reuters
After linking up with the Norway squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers with Scotland and Cyprus, Odegaard was questioned on his future by TV2 and confirmed his desire to continue in North London red for years to come.
"I'm very happy at Arsenal and I hope to stay here for long time. 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 responded.
Following previous loan spells with Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad, Odegaard was still struggling to make a name for himself at Real Madrid and joined Arsenal on a temporary basis for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
The Scandinavian playmaker's contributions were enough to earn him a permanent switch to the Emirates for just €35m (£29.9m) two years ago, and he now has 24 goals and 15 assists to show from 105 matches for Arsenal in all tournaments.
Odegaard formed a part of an established core of young players at Arteta's disposal in the 2022-23 season, several of whom have already committed their futures to the club over the past few months.
© Reuters
Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes have all penned new deals this season, while experienced midfielder Mohamed Elneny was also given a one-year extension.
Furthermore, new deals are thought to be in the pipeline for William Saliba and Reiss Nelson, the former of whom is now believed to have reached an agreement in principle over fresh terms.
Negotiations with Saliba's camp did not progress as quickly as Arsenal's other renewals, apparently due to the centre-back's wage demands, but both parties have now found common ground.
Meanwhile, Nelson is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year contract with his boyhood club, who were at risk of losing him on a free transfer this summer.
Ben Knapton
