The injured Norwegian midfielder is on Joan Laporta’s wish list for the upcoming summer transfer window.
FC Barcelona have set their sights on Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, with a view to signing him in the summer of 2026 to strengthen the team’s attacking midfield.
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At 26 years old, Ødegaard has reached a level of maturity that Barça consider ideal for a creative change in the squad, according to El Nacional.
FC Barcelona are betting on Martin Ødegaard for the attacking midfield
At FC Barcelona, they do not expect any signings in the winter transfer window, as their sporting director has confirmed, and instead focus their efforts on planning for the 2026 season. Although their priority remains a striker, interest in Martin Ødegaard has emerged strongly as a tactical option.
Barcelona’s management believes that Ødegaard could improve the team’s offensive rotation, especially with Dani Olmo and Fermín López, and thus provide a quality boost in the build-up of the game.
FC Barcelona is carefully considering the possibility of adding this Arsenal player, aware that his arrival would involve a significant investment, but also a significant improvement in the squad.
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Martin Ødegaard, from Arsenal to FC Barcelona’s radar view
The Arsenal midfielder is currently in a prominent phase of his career, which explains Barcelona’s interest. His contract with the Gunners still has several years left, which will require Barça to pay a hefty sum. In this context, Arsenal will demand a significant amount of money to part ways with Martin Ødegaard.
Martin Ødegaard, Barcelona’s surprising new target
In addition, those within FC Barcelona are considering how they can integrate him effectively without threatening other players from the club. Martin Ødegaard could compete for a starting spot in an offensive triple alongside Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, which would have displaced Fermín or triggered intelligent rotation. However, the challenge for Barça is not only sporting; their salary limitations and the prioritization of strengthening other positions make the operation for Martin Ødegaard complex.
At Arsenal, the Norwegian midfielder remains essential, but he knows that his career requires a next step. FC Barcelona aims to be that destination, although they will have to convince both the player and the English club financially.
Feasibility and obstacles for FC Barcelona with Martin Ødegaard
The transfer operation with Martin Ødegaard to FC Barcelona faces several challenges. Firstly, the transfer fee is high, and Barça still need to ease the wage masses. Secondly, the current squad contains important players in the attacking midfield, so his integration would not be automatic. Thirdly, the club has pressing goals in attack and defence, potentially deprioritising the signing of Martin Ødegaard.
Despite these obstacles, FC Barcelona is keeping the possibility of signing Martin Ødegaard alive, as it represents a market opportunity with forward-thinking intelligence. If the club manages to generate income through sales or trades, the possibility of hiring him will increase significantly.
In conclusion, FC Barcelona is facing an ambitious and well-thought-out opportunity with Martin Ødegaard. For his part, he considers the moment to take a leap that places him in a more prominent environment with European ambitions. The outcome of this operation will mark one of the most relevant movements of the next transition cycle.
