'Really close': Arteta confirms Odegaard to be handed new contract soon

"I'm always optimistic. We're really close with him and his agent," explained Mikel Arteta when asked about Martin Odegaard's new contract.

"Whenever that's confirmed we will announce it.

"He's our captain, he's a massive player for us. Really important player for now and the future.

"We are extremely happy to have him and we want to keep him here for a long time."

Odegaard's current deal expires in 2025, making it imperative for Arsenal to tie him down to longer and better terms.

Since becoming captain, Odegaard has led by example and he's now the perfect embodiment of a modern-day Arsenal player.