Arsenal's Top Five Highest Earners Revealed as Odegaard's Salary Stuns Teammate

Arsenal's Wage Evolution Under Arteta's Leadership

As Arsenal approaches the conclusion of the transfer window, intense debate continues regarding whether their current squad possesses the necessary strength to maintain their position at the Premier League summit. Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have secured three consecutive runner-up finishes, yet a fourth would undoubtedly feel like a significant setback following a substantial summer of investment and an electrifying start to the season.

Beyond Transfer Fees: The Rising Wage Bill

It is not merely transfer expenditures where Arsenal have begun to allocate considerable resources. Players competing for the highest domestic honours naturally command salaries that reflect their ambitions, a principle the North London club has increasingly embraced throughout Arteta's tenure. This strategic shift has seen player wages escalate markedly as the squad's quality and depth have improved.

One of the early statement signings under the Spanish manager was the acquisition of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, following a successful loan spell. Initial reports indicated the Norwegian playmaker was earning approximately £85,000 per week, a figure that reportedly astonished his then-teammate, Kieran Tierney.

"Happy to be back, bro?" Tierney, who has since departed the club, was overheard asking Odegaard in the Amazon Prime documentary 'All or Nothing: Arsenal'. "I heard what wages you were getting, so I thought, 'f****** hell!'"

The Current Hierarchy of Arsenal's Top Earners

According to data from Spotrac, Odegaard's financial standing within the squad has transformed dramatically. Following his appointment as club captain and the signing of a new contract in 2023, his weekly wage has nearly tripled to £240,000. Remarkably, this substantial sum only places him joint-fifth in the current Arsenal payroll rankings.

Topping the list is German forward Kai Havertz. Arriving in a high-profile £65 million move from Chelsea in 2023, Havertz was anticipated to become a cornerstone of Arteta's project. His weekly salary of £280,000 translates to an annual income of £14.56 million, making him the club's highest earner.

In second place is fellow striker Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian, who possesses invaluable Premier League title-winning experience from his time at Manchester City, was brought in to spearhead the attack as Arteta constructed a side capable of challenging for honours. Jesus earns £265,000 per week, with his contract extending until 2027.

The third-highest-paid player is defender William Saliba. Since cementing his place in the starting lineup during the 2022/23 season, Saliba has been instrumental to Arsenal's defensive solidity. His weekly wage of £250,000 significantly exceeds that of his regular centre-back partner, Gabriel Magalhaes, who earns £150,000 per week and ranks 11th in the squad.

Completing the top five is the club's record signing, Declan Rice. The England midfielder commands a weekly salary of £240,000, placing him level with captain Martin Odegaard in the earnings table.

Notable Names Outside the Top Five

Several other key squad members feature prominently on the wage bill, albeit just outside the highest echelon. Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres agreed to a weekly salary of £200,000 upon his arrival from Sporting CP, while homegrown star Bukayo Saka occupies seventh position with earnings of £195,000 per week.

Further down the list, first-team regular Jurrien Timber receives £90,000 weekly, placing him 17th, and recent acquisition Martin Zubimendi earns £75,000 per week, sitting two places below Timber. This detailed breakdown underscores the significant financial investment Arsenal have made in assembling a squad capable of sustained success at the highest level of English football.