Arsenal open to selling Odegaard for first time as Bayern Munich circle captain

Arsenal have indicated for the first time that they would consider selling captain Martin Odegaard should they fail to secure a contract extension before the end of the summer, according to a report via Sport Witness citing Sky Deutschland.

Odegaard, 27, lifted the Premier League title with Arsenal in May — becoming the first Gunners skipper to do so since Patrick Vieira in 2004 — but his future at the club is now genuinely uncertain. He enters the final year of his current deal next summer, and Bayern Munich have already held discussions about signing the Norwegian midfielder, who can reportedly “envision a future move” to the Bavarians.

Arsenal are simultaneously working on a contract extension and have held informal talks with Odegaard’s camp over him remaining at the Emirates. The club’s willingness to sell, however, marks a significant shift in their position. Throughout previous periods of injury and criticism of his role in Mikel Arteta’s system, Arsenal had never previously been reported as open to cashing in on their skipper.

Odegaard joined Arsenal initially on loan from Real Madrid before the club triggered a permanent deal worth around £30 million, building their midfield around the former wonderkid. Over five seasons, he has been central to Arteta’s project both in and out of possession.

His standing has come under greater scrutiny over the past 18 to 24 months, however. Injury and inconsistent form allowed Eberechi Eze to stake a claim in the first team, and some analysts have questioned whether Odegaard — seen by some as a No.8 rather than a No.10 — fits comfortably alongside Bruno Guimarães and Declan Rice in Arsenal’s engine room.

Sport Witness suggests that Odegaard’s representatives may be using Bayern Munich’s interest as leverage to push Arsenal into offering improved renewal terms, rather than signalling a firm desire to leave. Transfermarkt values the Norwegian at €80 million.

Odegaard will turn 30 by the time Arteta’s current contract at the Emirates expires, adding a longer-term dimension to Arsenal’s decision over whether to sell, extend, or risk losing him on a free transfer.