Arsenal are moving towards a significant contract conversation over Martin Odegaard, with Bayern Munich and Juventus both tracking developments around the club captain. The Norway international remains central to Mikel Arteta’s plans, but with his current deal due to expire in June 2028, attention is already turning to what comes next.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have begun informal discussions over an extension, a logical step given Odegaard’s standing at the Emirates Stadium. There is no immediate alarm, and there is no indication of formal negotiations between clubs, but the situation is now established enough to be watched carefully over the next 12 months.

Bayern Munich interest remains active

Bayern Munich’s long-running admiration is a relevant part of the picture. The report states that Bayern have “maintained contact with his representatives over several years”, and that the German champions are among the clubs keeping close tabs on his position. It is also claimed that Odegaard “can imagine playing for the Bundesliga champions at some stage.”

That said, there is an important qualifier. He is “not currently considered one of their priority transfer targets”, which lowers the immediate temperature. Juventus are also mentioned, though their interest appears less advanced and there is no strong suggestion of a bid being prepared.

Martin Odegaard value to Mikel Arteta

Inside Arsenal, the stance appears straightforward. Odegaard is not only the captain, he is also one of Arteta’s key creative references and a major part of the team’s pressing structure. Arteta has already underlined his importance, saying: “That’s the Martin we know and we love; he is our captain. We need to keep giving him the ball and letting things happen.”

That quote captures Arsenal’s internal view. Few players combine leadership, technical control and tactical discipline in the way Odegaard does. Replacing that profile would be difficult, expensive and risky.

Arsenal contract talks should lead the agenda

The current expectation should still be that Arsenal push for a new long-term deal. Selling only becomes a serious consideration if talks stall in a meaningful way. With no formal club-to-club process under way, Arsenal remain in control for now, and the priority is clear, secure Martin Odegaard’s future before this becomes a bigger story in 2027.

Our View

This feels like one to watch calmly rather than anxiously. Elite clubs monitor elite players all the time, and Odegaard absolutely belongs in that bracket. Bayern looking on is hardly a surprise, and Juventus being mentioned adds another layer, but none of it changes the obvious point, Arsenal should be doing everything possible to get this sorted early.

He sets the tempo, gives the side shape in possession and presses with real intelligence. There are more explosive players in Europe, and there may be more individually chaotic creators too, but Arsenal are built with Odegaard at the centre of so much good work. That matters.

The encouraging part is that Arsenal still hold the cards. There is time on the contract, there is no active bidding war, and there is no clear sign that he wants to force a move. That creates the space for sensible work behind the scenes.

If a new deal is agreed in the coming months, this story fades quickly. If it drifts into 2027, it becomes noisier and more expensive in every sense. The club have been here often enough to know the value of timing. Get the renewal done, remove the uncertainty and keep the captain exactly where he belongs.