Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard has received high praise from former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville following his impressive performance in Arsenal‘s 1-0 victory over Everton. Neville described Ødegaard as a “beautiful player to watch” and urged Arsenal to recognize his talent and utilize him more in the final third to create goals and assists.
It seems that Arsenal agrees with Neville’s assessment of Ødegaard, as the club is reportedly in advanced discussions with him over a new contract. The proposed deal would almost double Ødegaard’s weekly wage from €140k to €232k and secure his future at the club beyond his current deal, which expires in 2025.
So, what has Ødegaard done to deserve such praise and a lucrative new contract? Since joining Arsenal permanently in the summer of 2021 for €35 million, Ødegaard has scored two goals in his first six games in all competitions. While this may not seem remarkable, it is worth noting that only Bukayo Saka has scored more goals in the Premier League among Arsenal‘s players over the past three seasons. Ødegaard has also been a top playmaker, ranking ninth for assists among central midfielders in the Premier League over the same period and leading the category for Arsenal players. He has also recorded 147 key passes in the league, a figure surpassed only by Bruno Fernandes and Kevin de Bruyne.
At just 24 years old, Ødegaard’s potential for further growth is evident. His ability to both score goals and create opportunities for his team makes him a valuable asset for Arsenal. The club is keen to secure his services for the long term, as reflected in the contract negotiations.
In conclusion, Ødegaard’s impressive performances for Arsenal have earned him praise from pundits and prompted discussions for a new contract. His goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills make him an important player for Arsenal, and at just 24 years old, there is plenty of potential for further improvement. Arsenal recognizes his value and is eager to secure his future at the club.
