A number of “experts” that we have spoken to point to Arsenal’s desire to sign Bruno Guimarães as a sure sign that the club’s captain and Norwegian international Martin Ødegaard will be sold. – Well, that’s not close to being the case.
Although there have been injuries and varying form in Arsenal’s golden season, the club has no plans to change Martin Ødegaard’s role or long-term importance to the club.
TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal will both strengthen the midfield and keep Martin Ødegaard. – That regardless of whether they bring in Bruno Guimarães, Ayyoub Bouaddi or another midfielder.
Read: Arsenal in Bruno Guimarães chaos: Fooled by Newcastle
Arsenal are still active in the transfer market for midfield reinforcements. Newcastle star Guimarães is high on their wish list, and Lille talent Bouaddi is also a name they are following closely – as part of their planning for both the present and the future.
However, sources make it clear that none of these hunts should be interpreted as an expression of doubt about Ødegaard’s position at the club. Mikel Arteta is still a big admirer of his captain and believes the Norwegian will be one of Arsenal’s key pillars for many years to come.
Ødegaard once again showed his importance at the end of last season with a series of decisive performances. Arteta is convinced that the Norwegian is still one of the Premier League’s best creative midfielders.
Arsenal is acting to increase quality and breadth – not to replace its established leaders.
Arsenal are planning a new contract
Even if Guimarães arrives, or another midfielder is brought in before the window closes, Ødegaard’s place in Arteta’s plans is completely secure.
The 27-year-old has two years left on his contract. Arsenal are determined to secure his future and want to extend the deal well into the next decade. Sporting director Andrea Berta has already had preliminary talks with Ødegaard’s representatives about a new long-term deal – talks that are said to have been positive from both sides.
Sources say that Ødegaard is very happy in North London, and that he has made it clear that he wants to continue his journey with Arsenal – not move on to other European clubs. He is fully invested in Arteta’s project and believes the club can win the biggest trophies in the years to come.
Ødegaard also has no desire to give up the captain’s armband. He has embraced the leadership role since taking over as captain, and is determined to lead Arsenal to major titles – having helped transform the club into a consistent title contender.
Internally, Arsenal see him as one of the defining figures of this era, alongside Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. With contract negotiations well underway and Arteta continuing to build the team around quality rather than replacing key players, Arsenal are fully committed to Ødegaard – both as a creative engine and as captain for the foreseeable future.
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