Martin Odegaard commits long-term future to Arsenal

Skipper Martin Odegaard has committed his long-term future to the club, signing a new contract that’ll keep him in north London until 2028.

The Gunners took somewhat of a chance on the former Norwegian wunderkind midway through the 2020/21 season by bringing him on loan, and while he didn’t exactly set the world alight during his first six months at the club, Arsenal nonetheless bought him permanently in the summer.

From then on, it’s been nothing short of joyous watching Odegaard maraud across the Emirates turf. Benefitting from a coherent system and an uptick in the Gunners’ fortunes under Mikel Arteta, Odegaard quickly displayed the form which convinced Real Madrid to sign him as a 16-year-old.

The Norwegian’s significance grew in the 2021/22 as he notched 11 Premier League goal contributions before he was named Arsenal’s captain ahead of the 2022/23 season. Emboldened by the new responsibility, Odegaard enjoyed the most prolific campaign of his career as his masterful playmaking and 15 goals catapulted the Gunners into a title charge with Manchester City.

Martin Odegaard commits long-term future to Arsenal

The player’s significance amid Arsenal’s rise under Arteta can’t be understated, with Odegaard establishing himself as one of the finest creators in the world. There was never any doubt regarding his long-term future, and he penned an extension at the start of September which, according to David Ornstein, sees him become the club’s highest earner.

The club once again nailed the announcement video which followed the theme of Odegaard remaining where he belongs.

“Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons. Mainly what we are doing right now as a club is special, and I want to be a part of that. I’m really excited for what’s to come here,” Odegaard told arsenal.com.

“I’ve found a place where I can be really settled and call my home.”

Celebrating his captain’s extension, Arteta said Odegaard is a “great role model and professional” and a “joy” to coach.

“As a manager, working with Martin the person and the player is an absolute joy, and it’s great that after experiencing a number of clubs already in his career, he is now settled and really feels at home at Arsenal. We all look forward to continuing our journey with Martin in the years to come,” the boss said.

Odegaard’s extension adds to the positive feeling surrounding the club following their productive start to the 2023/24 season. The Norwegian dazzled as Arsenal celebrated their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 win over PSV, with Odegaard’s focus now turning to an eagerly-anticipated North London Derby against a new-look Tottenham.