Arsenal push to extend 27yo’s contract amid Bayern reports

Arsenal push to extend 27yo’s contract amid Bayern reports Arsenal are pushing to extend Martin Odegaard’s contract, with Bayern Munich sources playing down their transfer interest in him. Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Sky Sports in Germany report that despite Martin Odegaard and Bayern Munich being in contact in recent years, the player isn’t currently on the Bundesliga club’s list of priority transfer targets. On the other side of things, Arsenal are working on an early contract extension for their captain, and they’ve already held initial informal talks with the player. Sky claim that Odegaard could imagine playing for Bayern in principle, and Arsenal could consider selling if they fail to extend the midfielder’s contract, with other top European clubs also interested. But the Gunners are pushing for that extension as a priority. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Odegaard’s contract expires in 2028, so Arsenal are trying to avoid his deal entering its final year. At 27, the Gunners captain clearly still has the potential to be playing at the top level for many years to come. The 2025/26 campaign was a little concerning on the injury front, with Odegaard suffering seven separate setbacks ruling him out for a total of 30 games for club and country. So perhaps it’s understandable that Arsenal didn’t get working on the contract extension sooner, as they would have wanted to ensure that Odegaard would eventually be able to return to full fitness. Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images But that full recovery now seems to have happened. Odegaard has only missed one game (for Norway) since June 7th, featuring in the other 24 games available to him. That includes a run of 21 matches for club and country without an unused sub appearance or a squad absence. What’s more, he’s playing well, scoring five goals and assisting nine in those 24 games. Against Fleetwood Town in midweek, he looked like the only player at the required level. Now is the time for Arsenal to push on a new contract, before the likes of Bayern decide they do actually want to try and lure Odegaard away. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League