Sources: Arsenal set aside ‘huge’ sum for Martin Odegaard deal

Arsenal are preparing to offer Martin Odegaard a new deal, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners captain is coming close to the end of his current contract, with it set to expire in 2028.

Odegaard captained the London side to their first Premier League title in 22 years, with his efforts now set to be rewarded.

The Premier League champions have been putting focus on keeping their important figureheads at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta recently extending as well.

And as I revealed on the latest Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Odegaard is one of the next priorities.

With work already being prepared behind the scenes in anticipation of contract talks.

Arsenal is preparing for Martin Odegaard contract talks

Odegaard has been one of Arsenal's best players in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.

Now, the Norwegian is in line to remain at the Emirates for the foreseeable future amid expected contract talks.

The 27-year-old is a priority for Arsenal, with money already being cast aside ahead of those discussions.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I revealed: "Off the back of sorting out the future of Mikel Arteta, I’m sure the next plan will be to secure the futures of Rice, Odegaard and Timber.

"Arsenal will be just using that as the latest stage in the project to keep hold of their best players. Odegaard has started the season brilliantly, so I would expect him to agree a new deal.

"Arsenal have set aside huge amounts of cash for contract extensions of key players."

Arsenal being proactive over contracts

Arsenal have left themselves in a position where none of their squad's contracts are expiring at the end of this season.

That leaves the Gunners with ample time to bring in funds from any of Arteta's roster should they drop down the pecking order.

In truth, it is smart planning from the officials at the Emirates.

However, Arsenal do have nine players with 2028 expiries, meaning if they want to remain in a strong position, sorting them this season is the way to go about it.

Odegaard, alongside players like Declan Rice, are among that crop, and getting them extended now removes future headaches.

Other players who may end up being brought into contract talks may include Kai Havertz and David Raya, who are also on track to leave as free agents in 2028.