Arsenal are set to offer Martin Odegaard a new contract.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, reporting on his Twitter page, Arsenal are planning to continue talks with Martin Odegaard over a new contract next week. The Gunners want the club captain to sign a new long-term deal, securing his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal have made a concerted effort recently to tie their top players down to fresh terms. William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Aaron Ramsdale, and Reiss Nelson have all recently put pen to paper on new contracts with the club.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Odegaard is the next to add his name to that list. The Norwegian playmaker, who currently earns £115,000-per-week, is a key figure for Arsenal, and his commitment to a new deal would further demonstrate the club’s ambition to keep this talented squad together and build for long-term success.

Arsenal have been weak in this area before. The likes of Aaron Ramsey and Bacary Sagna, both influential first-team figures at the time, have previously been able to leave the north London club on free transfers with their contracts allowed to expire.

Arsenal protecting Odegaard’s value and future

Odegaard is one of a number of hugely talented players entering the prime years of his career that Arteta currently has at his disposal. The Spanish coach himself has previously highlighted the 24-year-old’s importance, calling him “incredible,” as quoted by BBC Sport.

Tying him down to a new contract ensures Arsenal are well-placed to ensure those years are spent with the club, but it also protects his value in the transfer market should the prospect of a departure arise.

Sporting director Edu needs to improve the Gunners’ sales record. Ensuring the club’s most valuable talents, such as Odegaard, are secured with long-term contracts means that the club are well-placed to command a big fee for them were a sale to be considered.

Ideally, though, for Arteta and Edu, their decision to offer Odegaard new terms will be rewarded by the player continuing to shine on the pitch for Arsenal for years to come.

The post Arsenal now set to offer 'incredible' £115k-a-week star a new long-term deal - Romano appeared first on Arsenal Insider.