Arsenal star Martin Ødegaard says he isn’t stressing about holding talks with the Premier League side over his renewal amid claims of Bayern Munich interest.
The Norway international initially joined Arsenal from Real Madrid on loan in January 2021 and made his stay permanent later that year.
He’s been one of the key players under Mikel Arteta, who even handed the midfielder the captaincy. Last season, the 27-year-old struggled with injuries, forcing him to spend time away from the pitch.
Ødegaard put the injury and fitness issues behind him and is a regular this season. He started every league match and made seven more appearances in other competitions.
Bayern Munich’s interest in Arsenal star
The former Real Sociedad man has over 19 months left on his contract at the Emirates.
On October 30th, Sport Witness covered a report from Germany explaining that Arsenal want to offer him an extension. If there’s no agreement, the Gunners are reportedly open to selling him next summer. The same source stated Bayern Munich are in the mix.
Martin Ødegaard is away with Norway, allowing Dagbladet to interview him. They asked what he could say about contract negotiations with Mikel Arteta’s side.
He said: “There isn’t much new to report on that front. I’m very happy and enjoying my time at Arsenal.”
Wants long-term Arsenal stay
Besides the Norwegian, Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres are linked with a move away from Arsenal.
The Spain international duo and the striker took advantage of this international break to dismiss the exit links. Zubimendi even insisted he will finish this season at the Emirates.
Martin Ødegaard now becomes the fourth Arsenal player to rule out an exit. Speaking to TV2 in Norway, the midfielder expressed his desire to extend his stay at the north London club.
When asked if he’s in talks with the Gunners about his renewal, Ødegaard explained: “We haven’t talked about it that much. First and foremost, the focus is now on what’s happening on the pitch, so everyone knows the situation around. I’m happy and hope I can be there (at Arsenal) for a long time to come, but so far we haven’t started on that.”
TV2 immediately asks whether he would prefer to have sorted out the contract.
He added: “There’s no stress about it. I’m where I am, and I’m super happy with it. Things are going well, and it’s not something I’m stressing about. As I said, I want to be there for a long time to come. I’m enjoying myself a lot.”
On his own performances, the Norwegian said: “It’s fun these days. I feel like I’m playing good football. Last year, I struggled a lot, struggled with many injuries and struggled to find my rhythm. Now, I have got my body in order. It’s nice to feel that it’s working.”
