Pivotal Arsenal man in line for lucrative new contract after PSG shortlist him as replacement for world-class star

An important Arsenal player could follow Bukayo Saka’s lead by agreeing to a bumper new contract at the Emirates after he emerged on Paris Saint-Germain’s list of potential replacements for a world-renowned star.

Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Manchester City having played a game more than them. The Gunners have led the way for much of the season but are now braced to lose out on the league title.

Arsenal must win their final two matches – a trip to Nottingham Forest and then a home clash against Wolves – to stand any chance of winning their first Prem crown since 2003-04. However, it is looking very unlikely as City gallop towards an incredible treble, as shown by their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may already have one eye on the summer transfer window as he looks to improve the squad further and somehow manage to catch City next season.

Recent reports have suggested Arteta will be given a huge £200million transfer kitty. This will allow him to overhaul his midfield with the signings of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, who are expected to cost £170m in total. Arteta will then have £30m left to improve other parts of the squad, potentially the defence.

However, Arteta and Arsenal must ensure one of the key cogs of their success does not depart North London. According to the Daily Mirror, who cite reports coming out of Spain, PSG are interested in Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard.

READ MORE: German giants ‘have no doubts’ key Arsenal man will join them this summer in Arteta changing of the guard

PSG are hunting for a new playmaker as they prepare to lose Lionel Messi on a free transfer this summer. Tensions were already high between Messi and the Ligue 1 giants, but his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia and subsequent suspension was the final straw.

PSG have identified Odegaard as one such attacking midfielder who may be able to replicate Messi’s influence somewhat and have therefore shortlisted him as a potential capture.

PSG to come up against Arsenal brick wall

It makes sense that PSG like Odegaard as he has had an unbelievable campaign, notching 15 goals and eight assists in 43 games and being involved in pretty much everything Arsenal do going forward.

But PSG will struggle to snare Odegaard away from Arsenal. The Mirror add that Arsenal are doing all they can to keep the Norwegian and will offer him a lucrative new deal to prevent an exit.

Odegaard’s current terms expire in June 2025, but they will be extended to beyond 2027. His weekly wage will also rise significantly. As per Spotrac, he currently takes home £115,000 a week.

Arteta will be desperate for Arsenal to tie Odegaard down as soon as possible. He is vital to the way Arsenal play and also helps to get the best out of those around him, such as Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

A new contract, coupled with Arsenal challenging for trophies again next season, should be more than enough to convince Odegaard that his current side is the right one for him.

The 24-year-old is not the only top Arsenal star who may soon be handed a new deal. William Saliba is also poised to earn a pay rise, with his current terms expiring next year.

And Saka’s new contract could soon be announced as Fabrizio Romano has revealed the deal to be ‘100 per cent done’.

Meanwhile, a report has detailed how Manchester United can stun Arsenal by signing one of Arteta’s priority targets this summer.