Martin Odegaard has said he hopes to remain at Arsenal for a long time despite reported interest from Bayern Munich. The Gunners captain has 18 months left on his current contract, and Arsenal are keen to agree an extension to avoid him entering the final year of his deal.
Contract uncertainty draws interest
Injury issues and inconsistent form raised questions over his long-term future at times last season, but the skipper has returned to form this campaign and remains one of Mikel Arteta's first-choice midfielders despite intense competition for places.
Sky Germany reported last month that Bayern Munich have had ongoing contact with Odegaard, who would be open to joining the German giants if he left Arsenal. The report added that the Premier League champions would consider a sale next summer if no new deal is agreed, unwilling to risk losing him on a free transfer.
Odegaard speaks on Norway duty
Speaking while on international duty with Norway, Odegaard said he has no immediate plans to leave Arsenal but confirmed no talks over a new contract have taken place. 'I'm happy and hope I can stay there [at Arsenal] for a long time to come, but we haven't started on that yet,' he said.
Odegaard scored Arsenal's winner in their final game before the international break, a victory over Hull City that moved his side five points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of Brighton. Manchester City have lost three games in a row to fall from top spot. The champions return to action away to Newcastle United on Saturday 21 November.
