Arsenal boss hails ‘massive’ player ahead of Everton trip amid new contract talk

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has labelled Martin Odegaard as a ‘massive’ player for the club ahead of their trip to Everton. He is poised to put pen-to-paper on a new deal and his manager has reiterated the fact he wants to keep him at the Emirates Stadium for as long as possible.

The Gunners head to Goodison Park in confident mood after beating Manchester United 3-1 last time out. They haven’t lost in the league yet this term.

Arteta has hailed his Arsenal skipper and has said, as per the club website: “He’s our captain. He’s a massive player for us, a really important player for us now and for the future. We’re extremely happy to have him and want to keep him here for a long time.

“I’m always optimistic and we have a really good relationship with him and his agent. We are really close to them and, whenever that’s confirmed, we’ll announce it.”

Ahead of Everton, he has said: “Obviously I have a big emotional attachment to that football club, the way they treated me and the years that I spent there. The incredible memories that I have, so always grateful. It was a big, big part of my playing career, and now as a coach I have to play against them and obviously I want to beat them.”

Arsenal swooped to sign Odegaard from Real Madrid on an initial loan deal in 2021 before his switch was made permanent shortly after. He has since made 110 appearances in all competitions and has scored 26 goals, two of which have come this term.

The Norway international, who has made 53 caps under his belt, has become a key player for Arteta’s side in the middle of the park. Extending his stay would be a shrewd bit of business and would be a big boost heading into the rest of the campaign