Arsenal captain, Martin Odegaard, has emerged as a shock transfer target for two Premier League clubs with just three days to go until the transfer deadline. The Norweigan playmaker, who has proved himself as one of the most creative players in the Premier League in recent years, is being eyed up by Manchester City and Chelsea.
According to sources close to the player's agent, both City and Chelsea have made approaches for Odegaard in recent weeks. Both clubs are in the market for creative players for various reasons but would have to put up serious money if they were to prize Odegaard away from Arsenal at this stage of the transfer window.
Odegaard's current contract at the Emirates Stadium runs until 2025 and the club's hierarchy have been in touch with his representatives about extending that until 2028. Still, time is on Arsenal's side and there is no pressure to sell a player who has two years left on his deal and who is critical to Mikel Arteta's plans.
According to the source, talks have taken place but any suggestion of a formal offer coming in is at an early stage. It could be one to keep an eye on though as the clock ticks closer to the deadline and one that would undoubtedly be one of the biggest deals of the summer.
Why City and Chelsea want Odegaard
Ever since Kevin de Bruyne went down injured in the first game of the season, Pep Guardiola has been on the lookout for a new creative midfielder. The Blues initially targeted Lucas Paqueta, however, after the Brazilian became embroiled in a betting scandal, the club decided to back away which means Paqueta will now stay at West Ham.
Their attention has since turned to Matheus Nunes who is now effectively on strike at Wolves as he looks to force through a transfer to the Etihad Stadium. A deal worth around £50m could be struck in the coming days, however, if City were to receive positive indications from Odegaard then that could all change. The 24-year-old is good friends with Erling Haaland and would fit like a glove in Guardiola's system.
For Chelsea, their need for a creative player is also obvious. They have lost Mason Mount to Manchester United and Kai Havertz to Arsenal this summer which has left them short in the department. There aren't many better out there than Odegaard but a transfer across London would be a huge surprise.
