Mikel Arteta ‘optimistic’ skipper Martin Odegaard will become next Arsenal star to sign new contract

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that skipper Martin Odegaard could be close to penning a new long-term contract at the Emirates.

It was claimed last week how the Gunners and the 24-year-old were in negotiations to extend his stay in north London beyond 2025.

GettyArsenal skipper Odegaard could soon sign a new contract in north London[/caption]

GettyArteta has revealed he is ‘optimistic’ the midfielder will pen fresh terms[/caption]

Odegaard has dazzled fans since his temporary loan spell from Real Madrid was turned into a permanent stay in 2021 for £34million.

And last year following the release of Alexandre Lacazette, Arteta named the Norway international as the club’s captain to become Arsenal’s youngest skipper since Cesc Fabregas in November 2008.

With two goals in his opening four Premier League games, Odegaard has taking his form from last season into the new campaign.

His rumoured contract talks were put to Arteta in his press conference on Friday ahead of Arsenal‘s away clash at Everton on Sunday.

And Arteta admitted he is ‘optimistic’ that the attacking midfielder will become the latest high-profile player to commit their long-term future to the club.

He said of Odegaard: “He’s our captain, he’s a massive player for us.

“Really important player for now and the future. We are extremely happy to have him and we want to keep him here for a long time.”

Pressed on whether he is confident Odegaard will pen fresh terms, Arteta remarked: “I’m always optimistic.

Odegaard was on target in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United last time out

“We’re really close with him and his agent. Whenever that’s confirmed we will announce it.”

Odegaard has made no secret of his desire to remain at Arsenal, as he recently stated he wishes to spend many more years at the club.

He told Norwegian outlet Nettavisen earlier this week: “I don’t have much to say, apart from the fact that I am very happy at Arsenal and I hope I can be there for a long time.

“Beyond that, I have no comment right now. Now, it is the national team that is in focus.”

If he does sign a new deal, he will follow Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Reiss Nelson into extending their stay.

The trio all committed their future earlier in the summer, meanwhile Brazilian pair Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes as well as England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale signed on last term.