Seven reasons why Arsenal could be crowned Premier League champions as Martin Odegaard signs new contract

Arsenal are on the path to claiming their first Premier League title in two decades upon Martin Odegaard signing a new contract.

The 24-year-old signed a new five-year deal that will keep him at Arsenal until the summer of 2028.

Odegaard joined Arsenal on an initial loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 before putting pen to paper on a permanent four-year deal that August.

The Norway international has made 112 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, netting 27 goals and providing a further 15 assists in that time.

The Arsenal skipper said: “Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons. 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.

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

Odegaard has become the seventh Arsenal star to have extended his deal in the past 12 months.

Indeed, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and William Saliba have all committed their future to the club in the last year, while Ben White is also thought to be in talks over new terms.

With seven of Arsenal’s most valuable and integral players having already agreed new deals at the Emirates, the club’s future appears bright, while a Premier League title looks likely in the coming seasons should the club remain on its trajectory.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the north London derby at home to Tottenham on Sunday, Arteta said of Odegaard's new deal: "It's great news for the club and great news for the team.

"I'm really happy for him. It just shows there are many ways to make it. In the end, it's about finding a place where you are comfortable and valued and you can express your talent. He's loved by everybody.

"At a very early age, he had huge expectations. He made his debut with the national team at 15, he played with five different teams in three different countries and that's a lot. Martin is who he is today because of what he's been through in those years.

"You notice him around the building all the time because he's doing the right things. When he needs to get into fun, he's quite funny. I'm really happy to have him as a captain."

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