Odegaard’s Arsenal future in focus as Bayern Munich consider interest

Arsenal have held initial informal talks over a new contract for captain Martin Odegaard, with Bayern Munich discussing the Norway midfielder as his future at Emirates Stadium attracts attention from several leading European clubs.

Odegaard’s current agreement with Arsenal runs until the summer of 2028, but the club are keen to reach an extension before he enters the final year of that deal. Arsenal want to avoid the risk of losing one of their key players for nothing when his contract expires.

Sky Sports reports that, if no agreement can be reached, Arsenal could consider selling Odegaard next summer. The club have also received enquiries from a number of other major European sides.

Bayern Munich have maintained contact with Odegaard over several years, although those discussions have never resulted in a transfer. The possibility of a move to the Bundesliga club has now gained renewed attention as Arsenal assess the situation surrounding their playmaker.

However, Bayern do not currently regard Odegaard as a priority transfer target and there is no immediate need for the German club to act. Although the player is understood to have an initial interest in a possible move to Bayern Munich, the club’s hierarchy have not yet identified him as one of their principal targets.

Odegaard has become one of Arsenal’s most important players since joining the club permanently. Under manager Mikel Arteta, he has developed into one of Europe’s leading attacking midfielders and has taken on a central role both on the pitch and in the dressing room as captain.

The 27-year-old completed a permanent move to Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 for about 35 million euros, following a six-month loan spell. Since then, he has made 248 official appearances for Arsenal, scoring 46 goals and providing 47 assists.

Odegaard has won two English Charity Shield titles with Arsenal, in the 2023-2024 and 2026-2027 seasons. He also helped the club win the Premier League title last season.

The latest developments come as Bayern Munich prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on 31 October 2026. Arsenal are due to play Liverpool in the Premier League on 01 November 2026.