Are you 24 or older?

Help us verify your age by providing an honest response. This site contains gambling advertising for 24+.

Age-restricted content

You’re not old enough to view betting content. You’ll be redirected to the homepage.

alt
Advertisement
Explore Betting on GOAL
imago-sport-1084858399.jpgIMAGO

Martin Odegaard to Bayern Munich?! Arsenal captain 'open' to shock transfer as contract talks loom

Advertisement

Ongoing contact sparks Bayern Munich rumours

Arsenal are eager to tie Odegaard down to a new long-term deal before his current contract expires in 2028, but they face a looming threat from Germany. According to Sky Germany, the Bavarian giants have maintained regular dialogue with the 27-year-old’s representatives for several years.

While an extension in north London remains the most probable outcome, Arsenal are completely unwilling to risk losing their skipper on a free transfer. Consequently, the club would be prepared to sanction a high-profile sale next summer if a new agreement cannot be struck.

Elite clubs monitor contract standoff

Although Odegaard remains happy and settled under Mikel Arteta, the report suggests he can envision a move to the Allianz Arena. The midfielder maintains a general interest in joining the German champions, and his exceptional performances have also placed him on the radar of several other top-tier European sides.

The Gunners hierarchy are now working proactively to prevent their talisman from entering the final year of his deal. The ongoing negotiations mark a priority for the club's board as they look to fend off mounting continental interest.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Sensational turnaround under Arteta

The current standoff highlights Odegaard’s remarkable resurgence at the Emirates Stadium. Only a year ago, persistent injuries and a noticeable dip in form cast brief doubt over his long-term future in England. Instead, he orchestrated a historic end to the season, wearing the armband as Arsenal secured their first Premier League title since 2004 and reached the Champions League final.

Related Topics

Exclusive Home
New Fubo Logo

FuboTV

✅ Streams every single one of the 380 Premier League matches live, acting as the absolute sole broadcaster in the country.

✅ Broadcasts selected marquee matches in 4K Ultra HD for a high-end home viewing experience.

✅ Includes built-in DVR and full on-demand match replays, which is essential for West Coast viewers sleeping through the early morning UK kick-off times.


Monthly from$14.99 CAD

That momentum has seamlessly carried into the 2026-27 campaign. Odegaard has already contributed four goals and an assist across all competitions, showcasing his enduring value. He recently faced his prospective suitors directly, featuring in a hard-fought 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern that was salvaged by a late Declan Rice equaliser.

Anfield trip offers chance for redemption

Arsenal will desperately need their captain at his best following a catastrophic midweek cup exit. Arteta initially rested the Norwegian against Fleetwood Town, but was forced to deploy him at the interval with his side trailing 1-0. The Gunners found an equaliser but ultimately suffered a stunning penalty shootout elimination at the hands of the League Two strugglers.

Advertisement

The defending Premier League champions must quickly dust themselves down. Currently sitting joint-top of the table, Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool in a blockbuster domestic clash that will fiercely test their early title credentials.

Zaki's love for football was rooted in Chelsea, specifically when he was captivated by Gianfranco Zola - not only for his magic on the field but also because the legend's name sounded so pleasant to his ears. A few years later, the 2002 World Cup introduced him to Oliver Kahn, the goalkeeper who became Zaki's second love in football, even though Germany went home empty-handed at that time.

The most memorable moment for Zaki happened much closer to home: standing in the south stands of Maguwoharjo, witnessing PSS Sleman lift the 2013 First Division trophy. The euphoria of victory turned bitter as dualism prevented Si Elang Jawa from being promoted.

Zaki's areas of expertise at GOAL include:

  • Analysis of European football tactics, including the Premier League and Champions League
  • Coverage of player transfer news & club financial regulation dynamics
  • International football editorials: player biographies, legend stories, and hidden young talents
  • Player rating & performance assessment with both analytical and narrative approaches

Zaki's All-Time XI (4-2-3-1)

Oliver Kahn; Cafu, John Terry, Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Maldini; Xavi Hernandez, Claude Makelele; Lionel Messi, Eric Cantona, Eden Hazard; Marco van Basten