That would be a transfer bombshell! Arsenal superstar can apparently envisage a move to Bayern Munich
Martin Ödegaard, Arsenal’s captain and superstar, can apparently envisage a move to Bayern Munich in the future. That is according to Sky.
The Norwegian and the German record champions have reportedly been in contact several times over the past few years, but a move never materialised. Back in 2014, Ödegaard, then a 15-year-old prodigy, reportedly took part in several training sessions with Bayern Munich's first team. Pep Guardiola was Bayern's coach at the time. The central midfielder ultimately turned down Bayern Munich and joined Real Madrid.
More than a decade later, Ödegaard is among the best players in his position at Arsenal, and rumours of a departure keep surfacing. Arsenal's officials know that, too.
Could Bayern sign Ödegaard? Arsenal reportedly determined to extend his contract early
Behind the scenes, the London club are reportedly working to extend the 27-year-old's contract beyond 2028. They want to ensure their captain does not enter the final year of his deal. According to Sky, an initial informal discussion about an extension has already taken place.
If talks fail, the Gunners could consider selling him in the summer. Several top European clubs have already made enquiries, according to the report. A departure remains a possibility, even though Arsenal want to keep their key player.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, have no pressing need to strengthen central midfield. Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof, Jamal Musiala, Ismael Saibari and Lennart Karl give them plenty of options in that position, so signing Ödegaard is not a priority. The player himself could "well" imagine a move to Munich in the future.
Ödegaard first joined Arsenal on loan in 2021 before the London club signed him permanently for around €35 million. He quickly became a key player under coach Mikel Arteta and eventually took over as captain. Last season, he led Arsenal to their first Premier League title since the legendary "Invincibles" season of 2003/04. The Norwegian international has also won the Carabao Cup twice with the club. In 248 competitive appearances for Arsenal so far, Ödegaard has scored 46 goals and provided 47 assists.
