Martin Odegaard has signed a new 5-year contract that will keep him at Arsenal until the summer of 2028.

The 24-year-old Norwegian midfielder joined the Gunners from Real Madrid initially on loan in January 2021 before signing a permanent four-year deal that August, with a club option to extend his stay for a further 12 months.

Odegaard has made 112 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and providing 15 assists.

Easy decision

Odegaard said: “Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons. Mainly, what we are doing right now as a club is special, and I want to be a part of that.

“I’m really excited for what’s to come here. I’ve found a place where I can really settle and call home.

“My story is a bit different, maybe as I moved around different clubs since I was 16. At Arsenal, since the first day, I’ve felt great, and this is definitely my home now.

“I just want to say thanks to everyone working at the club and, of course, our fantastic supporters. I will continue to give everything to bring success to this club in the years to come.”

Arteta happy

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the North London derby at home to Tottenham on Sunday, Mikel Arteta said of Odegaard’s new deal: “It’s great news for the club and great news for the team.

“I’m really happy for him. It just shows there are many ways to make it. In the end, it’s about finding a place where you are comfortable and valued and where you can express your talent. He’s loved by everyone.

“At a very early age, he had huge expectations. He made his debut with the national team at 15. He played with five different teams in three different countries, and that’s a lot. Martin is who he is today because of what he’s been through in those years.

“You notice him around the building all the time because he’s doing the right things. When he needs to have fun, he’s quite funny. I’m really happy to have him as a captain.”

Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, said: “To agree and complete a new contract with Martin is such great news for us all. He is our captain, an experienced international, and a player who gives us so much quality and joy every time he plays for us.

“Martin is still only 24 years old, so there’s still much more to come from him, and we’re delighted that we will be together in the forthcoming years.

“Our aim is to keep our best players, and with Martin now also included, we’re pleased to have completed new long-term contracts with a number of our most important young players in recent months.”