There is no “tail between the legs” feeling if Martin Ødegaard chooses to leave the Emirates next summer as it would be if he left before this summer’s World Cup finals in the United States.
This season has been a pleasure to watch the Norwegian Arsenal captain really lead and shine, and the proposal for a new contract that will make him one of the highest paid in the Premier League is well deserved. At the same time, it is not at all impossible that Arsenal choose to cash in now that Martin Ødegaard is “hot”, description borrowed from the world’s first orange president.
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The Norwegian is considering a change of scenery in the upcoming transfer windows
Martin Ødegaard, the 27-year-old Norwegian midfielder and captain of Arsenal, is considering leaving the English club to become Bayern Munich’s big signing in the summer of 2027. His contract expires in 2028, and according to Sky Sport Germany, the London club will consider selling him if they do not reach an agreement on an extension.
The player has yet to make a final decision on his future. Arsenal want to ensure continuity, but Ødegaard is weighing his options – and the German giants appear to be one of the destinations he is willing to consider.
Martin Ødegaard opens the door ajar for Bayern Munich
The interest between the parties goes back a long way. Martin Ødegaard has been in contact with Bayern Munich in recent years, although it never came to fruition.
According to information published by Sky Sport Germany, the Norwegian would like to play in the Bundesliga. However, Vincent Kompany’s team has not yet placed him among the priorities in the next transfer window.
The possibility of a change of club arises at an important time in his career. Ødegaard has been in London since 2021, when Arsenal completed his transfer from Real Madrid for around €35 million.
Since then, the midfielder has played 248 official games, with a total of 46 goals and 47 assists, according to figures obtained by the German press. His performances allowed him to take over the captain’s armband in 2022.
Arsenal face an important decision
Arsenal want to extend the contract of Ødegaard before he enters the final year of the deal. The sports management has already had the first informal talks with the player’s camp to consider an extension beyond 2028.
The operation has financial consequences. If the Norwegian decides not to renew, the summer of 2027 will be the last transfer window where the English club can negotiate a sale – without risking losing him for free a year later. Also last summer, Arsenal were willing to listen to offers for Ødegaard.
For Mikel Arteta, his continuity is also sportingly important. The Spanish coach made the Norwegian captain one of his foremost references in midfield in the 2022/23 season – and has kept him there ever since.
In addition, Ødegaard had the honour of lifting the Premier League trophy in 2025/26 as captain, a victory that ended more than two decades without Arsenal winning the English championship.
Next summer could determine the future
The interest in the Norwegian international is not limited to the German club either. According to Sky Sport, several European clubs have investigated his contract situation, although their identities have not been made public.
Bayern Munich’s attitude could change if the player continues not to renew. So far, the Germans have not started negotiations over a transfer, and Ødegaard is still linked to Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The next few months will be dominated by talks about a contract extension. If there is no deal before the summer of 2027, Arsenal could open the door to a sale of Martin Ødegaard – who will then be able to study the offers from interested clubs.
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