10 Jul 2026 17:00 BST |
4 min read
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Former Norway international John Arne Riise has poured cold water on rumours suggesting that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could leave the club this summer.
The 27-year-old, who is preparing for a World Cup quarter-final versus England on Saturday, has been linked with a move away from Mikel Arteta’s side in recent weeks, with reports suggesting the Gunners could be open to a transfer.
Odegaard scored just one goal and provided six assists in 32 Premier League appearances last season and with only two years remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium, his long-term future at the club isn’t guaranteed.
However, Riise believes that a summer move is unlikely to happen.
“Is Martin Odegaard’s time up at Arsenal? I can understand people thinking that, but at the same time, he’s the captain. He performs well, and you can see at the World Cup that he’s in good shape and has done well for Norway,” Riise told FootballTransfers.
“I’m not sure how long his contract is, but I can’t picture him leaving because he’s obviously happy there and he’s the captain.
“It’s been an up-and-down season, especially with the injuries, so he needs to start well next season, get a good run going, and get some of the fans back supporting him again.”
Analysis: Will Arsenal sell Martin Odegaard?
A key factor behind rumours that Odegaard could leave Arsenal this summer is the club’s intense pursuit of Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers, who could be set to secure a blockbuster move to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the transfer window.
The England international has been earmarked as the Gunners’ priority target for this summer and FootballTransfers has been informed that a deal is edging closer, with Rogers keen to join the north London giants after the end of the World Cup.
However, Villa want over €120m for the 23-year-old and Arsenal are yet to express their willingness to match this asking price, especially as they are also in advanced talks over a deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
With Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri and Odegaard all currently available as attacking midfielders at the Emirates Stadium, adding Rogers into the equation could create an issue.
As a result, Nwaneri has been heavily linked with an exit and it has been suggested that Odegaard could be sold if a suitable offer arrives. However, as Riise argues, he remains club captain and as one of Arteta’s favourite players, an exit is highly unlikely to be permitted this summer.
John Arne Riise was talking to FootballTransfers on behalf of BestBettingSites.co.uk.
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