Arsenal have begun informal, early-stage discussions regarding a contract extension for captain Martin Odegaard. While the midfielder remains a central figure at the Emirates, reports indicate that the 27-year-old is open to a future move to German side Bayern Munich. Communications between the player’s representatives and the Bavarian club have occurred periodically over the last several years, though these contacts have not advanced to formal negotiations or fee discussions. According to a report from Sky Sport Germany, Ødegaard can see himself playing at the Allianz Arena, as his representatives and the Bavarian giants have repeatedly been in contact over the past few years without ever ag. The same report claims that a first exploratory conversation has taken place and that Arsenal would consider a sale in the summer of 2027 if they can’t agree on a contract extension with the star midfielder.
The Gunners are keen to secure the playmaker’s future quickly, as his current deal is set to expire in 2028. Management aims to avoid entering the 2027-28 season with Odegaard in the final year of his contract, which would create significant financial risk and diminish his market value. If an extension cannot be finalized, the club may consider a transfer in the summer of 2027. Interest from several top European clubs has already surfaced, though Bayern Munich currently prioritizes other areas of their squad, which is well-stocked with midfielders such as Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Odegaard’s history with the German giants dates back to 2014, when he trained with the club under Pep Guardiola as a 15-year-old before eventually signing with Real Madrid. He joined Arsenal initially on loan in 2021 before completing a permanent transfer for a €35 million fee. Over 248 competitive appearances for the North London club, the Norwegian international has recorded 46 goals and 47 assists.
The club captain is currently coming off his most successful season, having helped guide Arsenal to the 2025-26 Premier League title—the team’s first in 22 years—and a Champions League final appearance. His most productive individual campaign remains the 2022-23 season, where he netted 15 league goals. Since arriving, he has also secured the 2023 Community Shield and the 2026 Community Shield, during which he was named man of the match following a 3-0 victory over Manchester City.
Most recently, Odegaard faced Bayern Munich during a 2-2 Champions League draw at the Allianz Arena, where he provided the assist for Eberechi Eze’s opening goal before Declan Rice scored a late equalizer. Despite these high-level performances, Bayern has not yet made an approach for the Arsenal skipper. And Bayern have not made an approach, it describes a line of communication rather than a negotiation: no fee has been discussed.
