MARTIN ODEGAARD has refused to get drawn into contract talks while away on international duty for Norway.
The Arsenal captain's current £115,000-a-week deal expires in 2025 and the club are planning to negotiate a new and improved contract.
Odegaard has been busy wearing the captain's armband for Norway this week.
But his recent performances have made the Gunners desperate to tie the Norwegian star to the Emirates for even longer.
The 24-year-old is one of Mikel Arteta's main men and he has decided he should be the next player to earn a contract extension.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Aaron Ramsdale have all recently penned new deals.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Ex-Arsenal ace wakes up unemployed as Luton RIP UP deal after ONE SEASON
Get £20 in free bets when you stake £5 on football with Ladbrokes
Arsenal's desire to secure Odegaard's signature has stemmed from fear of losing the midfielder over the summer amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Odegaard shied away from speaking about contract talks while on an international duty.
He said to the Norwegian outlet Nettavisen: "I don’t have much to say, apart from the fact that I am very happy at Arsenal and I hope I can be there for a long time.
"Beyond that, I have no comment right now. Now, it is the national team that is in focus."
Most read in Football
GATE BLAST
Southgate slams ‘JOKE’ pundits & commentators for ‘ridiculous’ Maguire treatment
JOE BLOW
Awkward moment Joe Cole is left shocked by Souness’ bold England call
ENTER THE DRAGON
Man Utd confirm new kit sponsor but fans fear it means Glazers are staying
SCOTLAND 1 ENGLAND 3
Bellingham stars as Three Lions beat rivals in tense Glasgow friendly
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
It’s been a successful international break for Norway, with Odegaard skippering them to a 6-0 victory in a friendly against Jordan before he scored in a 2-1 win over Georgia on Tuesday night.
Youngster Antonio Nusa assisted both Odegaard's and Erling Haaling's goal last night.
The teen, who has been dubbed the "Norwegian Neymar", was recently subject to talks with Arsenal.
Odegaard was asked about Nusa after their win last night in the Euro 2024 qualifying.
He added: "Fantastic! He is an incredibly exciting player.
"You see it, every time he gets the ball, it’s exciting. He is still young and will get even better. It was cool to see him.
"He deserved to get the chance that he takes it to such an extent. Incredibly cool!"
Norway's result has kept their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 alive, though they are still some way behind Scotland and Spain in their group.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates
Source: Read Full Article
