Odegaard signs new five-year deal at Arsenal

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has signed a new five-year contract.

Odegaard joined the club from Real Madrid permanently in August 2021 for about £30m following an initial loan.

He featured in all but one of Arsenal's 38 Premier League games last season as Mikel Arteta's side finished runners-up to Manchester City and ended a six-year absence from the Champions League.

"Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons," Odegaard said.

"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 be really settled and call my home."

Odegaard, who also captains Norway and has won 53 caps, has committed to Arsenal until the end of the 2027-28 season.

He has scored three goals in seven games for Arsenal this season - including a fine strike on Wednesday as the club returned to Europe's elite club competition with a 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven.

Arsenal's reigning player of the season signed a four-year deal, with the option of an extra 12 months, two years ago following his move from Madrid.

He joined the Spanish giants at the age 16 from Norwegian club Stromsgodset in 2015, becoming Real's youngest player.

That came after he became Norway's youngest international aged 15 years and 253 days when he played in a friendly against the United Arab Emirates.

"My story is a bit different maybe, as I moved around different clubs since I was 16," Odegaard said.

"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."

More to follow.