"Very optimistic" - Arsenal confident "superb" player will sign new deal; talks set to continue

When discussing the pay rise the 24-year-old could receive, the journalist said: "If you've brought in someone like Declan Rice, you might have broken your wage structure a little bit. Someone like Odegaard, on £115,000-a-week, might be wanting up to £250,000-a-week - you just don't know because a lot can change when your project grows very fast.

"But there's optimism. and there is no reason to think that Odegaard won't sign. I would expect, now the international break is over, for talks to continue and move relatively fast towards some kind of agreement in principle.

Jacobs later added: "Arsenal are very optimistic that Odegaard will be another key member of the club to renew."

How many goals has Martin Odegaard scored for Arsenal?

The attacking midfielder has scored 26 goals in 110 appearances for the Gunners, during which time he has registered 15 assists, and there were clear signs he is starting to come into his prime in the 2022-23 campaign.

Last season, the Norway international amassed a remarkable 23 goal contributions in 37 Premier League games, solidifying his place as a key player for Arsenal, so it is exciting news that he is now close to agreeing a contract extension.

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Former Gunner Alan Smith has lauded the maestro as "superb" in the past, and Arteta is well aware of the calibre of player he has on his hands, having described him as "exceptional" when discussing the progress he's made.

At 24-years-old, Odegaard should now be entering his prime years, and it will be a real boost for Arsenal if he signs a new deal.