FC Barcelona have recently been announced as a suitor for Martin Odegaard. Arsenal have already responded to this interest in their captain.
For a few days, a rumour has reported Barcelona's interest in an Arsenal mainstay: Martin Odegaard. The Catalans reportedly want to recruit the Gunners' captain during the summer 2026 transfer window to complete their midfield. The Spanish giants would be confident in their ability to convince the Norway international to join Barcelona.
Arsenal set Odegaard's price at €90m
Whilst the main party's wishes are not yet known, Arsenal have quickly set an unattainable price for Martin Odegaard: at least €90m (£77m). This amount, seems too high for FC Barcelona, who have experienced financial difficulties for several seasons.
This case even seems completely off the table for Barcelona today. Indeed, according to TeamTalk, Arsenal have taken the decision to close the door to a departure for their 26-year-old midfielder. The Gunners wish to keep their playmaker long-term and make him the main piece of their midfield.
Trail to forget for Barcelona in the market?
Transfer specialist journalist Pete O'Rourke considers a transfer of Odegaard to Barcelona as virtually impossible.
“I see no chance of him leaving Arsenal,” he assured. “He is a very high-level player, he has proved it at Arsenal over the last two seasons, but there are so many questions: how could Barcelona afford Martin Odegaard given their financial problems? He is under contract until 2028, so his transfer would cost a considerable sum if Arsenal considered selling him, but this option is not even on the agenda.”
Thus, if FC Barcelona wish to strengthen their midfield next summer, the Catalan club will surely have to pursue other options.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
