Arsenal are not selling Martin Ødegaard. Contract extension talks between the club and the Norwegian's representatives are progressing positively, Mikel Arteta remains a huge admirer, and Ødegaard himself has made it clear he wants to stay. Any speculation about his departure, sparked by the club's pursuit of central midfielders like Bruno Guimarães, fundamentally misreads what Arsenal are trying to build. They are adding depth to a championship squad, not replacing their captain.

Arteta's backing and internal status

Ødegaard has two years remaining on his current Arsenal contract, but the club is not waiting for that to run down. Andrea Berta has held exploratory discussions with Ødegaard's representatives, with talks progressing positively from both sides. Arteta remains a huge admirer of his captain and believes the Norwegian will continue to be one of the central pillars of Arsenal's project for years to come.

Internally, Arsenal have positioned Ødegaard as one of the defining figures of the current era at the club, alongside Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. That assessment runs deeper than season-to-season form. Ødegaard has made nearly 250 appearances for Arsenal with 42 goals and 46 assists since arriving from Real Madrid, cementing himself as central to how they play and build forward. His 2026 World Cup displays (4 assists in 5 appearances with a 7.02 rating) showed he remains in peak form. Across his last five competitive matches, he averaged 7.06 rating, demonstrating the consistency Arteta relies on from his most creative player.

Ødegaard himself is extremely happy in north London and has made it clear he wants to continue his journey with Arsenal rather than seek another move elsewhere in Europe. When a player of that calibre aligns with a manager of Arteta's conviction, the only question is timing on paperwork.

Why the Guimarães speculation doesn't threaten Ødegaard

Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimarães and Ayyoub Bouaddi is fundamentally about squad depth in different positions, not displacement of their captain. Guimarães is a central midfielder who occupies a different role entirely than the advanced-playing Ødegaard. The Brazilian midfielder has made it known internally that he wants to leave Newcastle to join Arsenal—but Newcastle are not budging easily, and Arsenal have stepped back from actively pursuing him. Nearly a month into the saga, no official approach has been made.

The competitive gap between Arsenal and Newcastle in the league (1st place with 85 points versus 12th with 49 points) illustrates why negotiations are difficult. Newcastle were also eliminated from the Champions League group stage and will have no European football next season, weakening their ability to retain players against an elite rival chasing a title. That is precisely the dynamic that makes Arsenal champions and Ødegaard unshakeable in his commitment.

If Arsenal sign a central midfielder, it is an addition to an existing core, not a replacement. The Norwegian's role as the club's creative centre remains unambiguous, his contract status will soon be clarified, and the noise of transfer speculation is settling. Ødegaard is not going anywhere.

FAQ

Is Martin Ødegaard staying at Arsenal?

Yes. Contract extension talks are progressing positively with his representatives. Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer, and Ødegaard is extremely happy in north London and wants to continue his journey with the Gunners.

Why is Arsenal pursuing Bruno Guimarães if Ødegaard is staying?

Guimarães is a central midfielder; Ødegaard plays as an advanced playmaker. Arsenal's recruitment is about adding depth for a championship challenge, not replacing their captain.

What is Martin Ødegaard's current form?

His 2026 World Cup performance—4 assists in 5 games with a 7.02 rating—showed he remains in peak condition. Across his last five competitive matches, he averaged 7.06 rating.

How much longer is Ødegaard's current contract?

He has two years remaining, but Arsenal aren't waiting. Contract extension talks are already underway with his representatives, progressing positively from both sides.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →