Arsenal 'want to tie down Martin Odegaard to a new long term deal'

Arsenal are hoping to extend the contract of captain Martin Odegaard as the Norwegian midfielder enters the final two years of his deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Odegaard has been an influential presence since arriviing in north London in January 2021, and looks set to be an important figure for Mikel Arteta again this season as Arsenal chase the Premier League title.

Having initially signed on a six-month loan from Real Madrid, the Gunners spent £30million to keep Odegaard on a permanent basis in the following summer.

The 24-year-old's current contract runs until June 2025, and Arsenal now want to begin discussions to extend his deal, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Romano suggested that agreeing a new contract for the Arsenal captain will be a 'priority' for Arteta's side for the rest of the year.

Odegaard made 37 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring 15 goals and assisting a further eight as Arsenal fell just short of winning a first league title since 2004.

He was named Arsenal captain at the begining of the 2022-23 campaign, and has established himself as one of the most most effective playmakers in the top flight since.

The Norwegian was the top-scoring midfielder in the Premier League last term and Arteta is now keen to ensure his key man's long-term future lies at the Emirates after Bukayo Saka and William Saliba both signed new contracts over the summer.

Odegaard played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal began the new season with a 2-1 win againt Nottingham Forest on Saturday.