Fabrizio Romano names next crucial Arsenal star to receive bumper new contract, with talks already underway

Martin Odegaard could soon follow the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba in penning a new long-term contract with Arsenal, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

As well as improving the squad with some massive signings, Arsenal sporting director Edu has been working hard to tie down Mikel Arteta’s most important players to fresh terms. This is to prevent either Premier League rivals or major European clubs from snatching them, which has happened under previous management.

In addition to Saka, Martinelli and Saliba, Arsenal have also handed new deals to Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel and Reiss Nelson within the past 12 months. And it does not seem like it will be long before club captain Odegaard follows suit.

Writing on Twitter, Romano has provided an update on the attacking midfielder’s situation at Arsenal. He states that Arsenal will press ahead in their contract talks with Odegaard’s camp in the coming weeks and months.

Arsenal have already begun discussions over a lucrative new deal, but they will now aim to take these negotiations from a preliminary stage to an advanced stage.

Arsenal’s decision to enter contract talks with Odegaard makes complete sense as his current deal is set to expire in June 2025. If the North London side did nothing, then their rivals may come calling to try and sign the Norwegian for a reduced price next summer.

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Arteta will be delighted if Arsenal manage to get Odegaard’s fresh terms over the line. The skipper has emerged into one of Arsenal’s most important players, driving them towards a Premier League title push last season. He registered 15 goals and eight assists while playing in all but one of the Gunners’ league matches.

Odegaard is now facing competition from summer signing Kai Havertz, as well as Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe. However, Odegaard has also started the new campaign brightly, having netted a penalty to help Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on August 21, while also bagging Arsenal’s first goal in their dramatic 3-1 home victory over Manchester United on September 3.

Overall, Odegaard’s record this term stands at two goals in five appearances.

Should Arsenal finalise Odegaard’s new contract, they will then turn their attention to tying down some of the other players in Arteta’s squad. Jorginho’s deal expires next summer, while Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu have contracts which run out in summer 2025.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have confirmed an agreement to allow one player to leave, in a move which will free up some space on the wage bill for Edu.