The Gunners will have a reason to celebrate today as well after their Champions League group stage triumph, as Arsenal just announced that talisman midfielder Martin Odegaard has been signed to a new five-year extension with the Gunners.
A place where Martin beløngs pic.twitter.com/UUqnAQRPfF— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 22, 2023
Odegaard still had two years left on his contract with the Gunners, but will now be secured in North London till 2028.
The playmaker has been creating waves in the Premier League as the talisman midfielder for the Gunners, leading them to a successful campaign last season where Arsenal finished just short of the winners, at second place.
He has been a sought-after prospect in the transfer market, attracting interest from clubs all over. Hence, Arsenal felt the need to secure the services of the swashbuckling Norwegian on a long deal that could see Mikel Arteta’s club reach the greatest of heights possible.
Odegaard was acquired by Arsenal in January of 2021, when he was initially signed on loan from Spanish giants Real Madrid. But, given the fit and Mikel Arteta’s rebuild that was underway, the Gunners made a move to secure hom permanently, and hence signed Odegaard in a deal worth 35 millions euros with potential add-ons rising to around 40 million euros.
Odegaard’s signing proved to be worth every last penny, as the Norwegian, who was denied his fair share of chances with Los Blancos, blossomed under the guidance and freedom granted by Mikel Arteta.
He was named Arsenal’s Player of the Season last term after a stellar campaign in which he amassed 15 goals – all in the Premier League – to jointly top scoring charts from the midfield.
Odegaard’s performances in 2022/23 also earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year, and nominations for the Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Young Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards. He was also named the Premier League Player of the Month for November/December 2022.
With the new contract extension, Odegaard now also becomes Arsenal’s highest-paid player.
“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,” said Odegaard in a club statement.