Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard Commits Long-Term Future to Gunners with New Contract
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, has signed a new five-year contract with the club, joining a growing list of players who have committed their long-term futures to the Gunners. The 24-year-old midfielder follows in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba, who have all extended their deals.
Odegaard’s impressive performance last season contributed to Arsenal finishing second in the Premier League behind Manchester City. The former Real Madrid player scored 15 goals and provided seven assists. This season, he has already netted three goals in all competitions.
Speaking about his decision to sign the new contract, Odegaard expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was an easy decision for me. As I said many times, I felt connected and I felt at home here since the first day.”
He also highlighted the challenges he faced during his loan spells and the importance of finding stability, saying, “Also, I was moving around a lot (during loan spells) and struggling to really settle down, so I felt like I needed a place to come and settle down and to kind of find a home.”
Odegaard praised the positive direction of the club under manager Mikel Arteta, pointing out that the spate of players signing new deals reflects the progress and connection they have with the fans. He believes that Arsenal is a great place to be, especially for hungry young players.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at Odegaard’s new contract, stating, “It’s great news for Arsenal. I’m really happy for him as well, and he deserves it.” Arteta emphasized the importance of finding a place where players feel comfortable, valued, and able to express their talent, and he believes Odegaard has found that place at Arsenal.
Currently, Arsenal sits fourth in the Premier League table, eagerly anticipating their upcoming home match against fierce rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
With Odegaard’s commitment and the rising number of players signing long-term deals, Arsenal is poised for a bright future. The club’s positive trajectory, under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, has led to increased confidence among the players and resonated with the fans.
As Arsenal continues to build a strong squad with talented young players, the signs point to a promising and successful era for the Gunners.