Arsenal is preparing a lucrative offer to Martin Odegaard to extend his contract and ward off interest from Paris Saint Germain.
Lionel Messi is set to depart Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of his contract this summer, and as such the club is looking for a replacement for the playmaker. Messi is set to either join Barcelona, though more details need to be sorted by the Catalan club. He also has an offer from Al Hilal and Inter Miami.
The French club is considering a surprise move for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who has been impressive since signing on a permanent basis from Real Madrid in 2021. Arsenal has responded to PSG’s interest by initiating contract extension discussions with Odegaard, who would get a lucrative new contract.
Recent rumors also suggested that PSG were making Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva their priority. However, no new decisions have been taken by the management.
Why do PSG want Martin Odegaard?
The French club’s budget will be significantly raised this summer as a result of Messi’s departure, which will be a huge decrease in their wage bill. It is expected that the club would prioritize recruiting and developing younger players and that it will be ready to pay higher transfer costs to get players who may not ask for a high salary.
š“āŖļø | TRANSFERS: PSG target Martin Odegaard.
— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) May 18, 2023
š°: According to Football London, PSG want to sign Arsenal captain this summer.
š: āParis Saint-Germain are interested in Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard.ā
This deal seems nearly impossible with the Norwegian set to sign a newā¦ pic.twitter.com/qypsrA6IHG
According to the Catalan news outlet El Nacional, PSG shortlisted the Norwegian captain as a top prospect in the summer. This is after he had a fantastic season with Arsenal where he has fully matured. He is now one of the Premier League’s best players and is a crucial part of why the Gunners have had such a great season. The fact that he is only 24 is also a big factor.
The Gunner’s captain has scored 15 goals, the most by a midfielder in a Premier League season, and has seven assists. He was also awarded the Premier League Player of the Year award at the recent London Football Awards in March. Having been named captain of both club and country at such a young age, and impressing in his performances has shown why he is a top footballer.
Arsenal’s response and future plans
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is anticipated to act strongly to the rumors. He will ask the club to extend the Norwegian’s contract to a lengthy one as he sees him as crucial in his future plans.
Odegaard joined Arsenal in January 2021 on loan from Real Madrid. After a successful six-month stint there, he was bought permanently for 35 million euros.
His current contract expires in two years, with an option to extend it for one more year. The Standard has revealed that a contract extension is being internally discussed as a priority. They are hoping to extend his contract until 2028 and offer him an improved salary.
Odegaard is said to be feeling comfortable in the club. He wants to lead another Premier League title push in the next season. This season, they came very close, but have almost certainly lost it to defending champions Manchester City.
šØ#EXCL | Arsenal are set to hold talks to extend the contract of 24-year-old Norwegian playmaker Martin Odegaard, who has attracted interest from the Premier League and La Liga, until 2028. š³š“ š“#AFC pic.twitter.com/9AKiemMW3X
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) March 21, 2023
Arsenal superstars Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale are also expected to finalize their new contracts. William Saliba will also be offered a new contract. Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes have already signed new deals as well.
They are also planning to sign Declan Rice from West Ham to strengthen their midfield.
Arsenal is planning a great future with Mikel Arteta at the helm. And Martin Odegaard will be the man to lead them to success.
