Arsenal eye new Odegaard deal after Arteta's 2030 contract

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Arsenal's priority this autumn is said to have shifted from the dugout to the captain's armband. With Mikel Arteta tied down to a new deal running until 2030, the club is reportedly turning its attention to securing Martin Odegaard's long term future at the Emirates.

According to Football Insider, keeping Odegaard at the club is now viewed as a priority following Arteta's contract agreement, with Arsenal intending to focus on tying down the Norwegian next.

A captain in form

Odegaard has made a better start to this season than he did last term, showing on several occasions that he can remain a central figure in Arteta's plans. His creativity and leadership have been more visible in the opening weeks of the campaign, giving the club encouragement that their captain can rediscover his best form consistently.

Arsenal regard the former Real Madrid midfielder as one of the leading players in the squad, and there is no suggestion internally that letting him leave is under consideration. Beyond his output in midfield, Odegaard's standing as captain gives him a role in providing stability and leadership within the dressing room, qualities the club values as it tries to build a squad capable of competing for major honours.

No deal confirmed yet

The report stresses that no new contract has been agreed, and the timing of any extension will depend on whether the two parties can settle on terms. Still, the fact that Arsenal are said to be prioritising the discussion underlines an intention to remove any uncertainty over Odegaard's future before it becomes a distraction.

Arsenal have generally favoured continuity in recent transfer and contract business, and retaining a player as central to Arteta's system as Odegaard would be consistent with that approach. The captain signed his current long term deal in 2023, and there has been little indication since that either side wants to part ways.

For now, Odegaard remains focused on his football, and his improved performances this season give Arsenal further reason to want his commitment secured for years to come. Should talks progress as the club hopes, an announcement on fresh terms could follow in the coming months, though for the moment the Norwegian's attention stays on helping Arteta's side compete on all fronts this season.