Mikel Arteta drops Martin Odegaard contract hint ahead of Everton vs Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture away to Everton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that he is optimistic regarding Martin Odegaard signing a new contract with the club. Odegaard hasn't signed a new deal since joining the Gunners permanently in the summer of 2021, although there has been plenty of speculation that the Norway international is now close to penning new terms at the Emirates Stadium.

Now, Arteta has addressed the rumours, claiming that he is very close with the player and his agent. Speaking about Odegaard's contract situation ahead of Sunday's clash against Everton, the Spaniard said: "He’s our captain he’s a massive player for us.

"Really important for now and the future. We want to keep him here for a long time I’m always optimistic. We’re really close with him and his agent. Whenever that’s confirmed we will announce it."