Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, has inked a fresh five-year contract, cementing his commitment to the club until the end of the 2027-28 season. The 24-year-old Norwegian midfielder returned to Arsenal last year after a loan spell, and his impressive performances have secured his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Odegaard’s journey at Arsenal began when he joined the club from Real Madrid in August 2021 for a fee of around £30 million. Since then, he has made a significant impact, contributing 27 goals and 15 assists in 112 appearances for the Gunners. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Last season, Odegaard played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, featuring in all but one of the team’s 38 matches. Arsenal finished as runners-up to Manchester City and secured a coveted spot in the Champions League after a six-year absence from the competition.

Speaking about his contract extension, Odegaard expressed his enthusiasm for the future at Arsenal, saying, “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. I’ve found a place where I can be really settled and call my home.”

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, also hailed the news, emphasizing Odegaard’s importance to the team, both as a player and as a leader. Arteta said, “Martin signing a new long-term contract is such good news for everyone connected with Arsenal. He is our captain and a hugely respected person at our club, who is a great role model and professional, bringing quality and maturity in everything he does.”

Martin Odegaard’s journey in professional football has been remarkable. He joined Real Madrid at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history. Before his permanent move to Arsenal, Odegaard had loan spells at various clubs, including Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad. His arrival at Arsenal in January 2021 marked a turning point in his career.

Reflecting on his journey, Odegaard said, “My story is a bit different maybe, as I moved around different clubs since I was 16. At Arsenal, since the first day, I’ve felt great, and this is definitely my home now.”

Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, underlined the club’s commitment to retaining its top talents. He stated, “Our aim is to keep our best players, and with Martin now also included, we’re pleased to have completed new long-term contracts with a number of our most important young players in recent months.”

The Gunners have been actively securing their young talents with long-term deals, including Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Aaron Ramsdale, and Reiss Nelson. Additionally, Arsenal made significant signings during the summer transfer window, strengthening the squad for the upcoming challenges. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.