Arsenal are attempting to tie down captain Martin Odegaard to a long-term contract after Paris Saint-Germain shortlisted the player to replace the outgoing Lionel Messi.
Messi is expected to leave the Ligue 1 leaders when his contract expires at the end of the current season, as reported by Mirror Football. Barcelona remain keen to sign the superstar, who celebrates his 36th birthday this summer but his next destination remains unclear.
PSG are working on signing a playmaker to help replace the Argentine superstar this summer. Recent reports had linked them with a move for Manchester City's Bernardo Silva but no decision has yet been made by the club management.
The French club will have an increased budget to play with this summer due to the departure of Messi making a significant dent in their wage bill. Mirror Football understands that the club will focus on signing and developing younger players and would be willing to part with larger transfer fees to obtain individuals who may not command as high a wage.
It had been outlined by El Nacional how PSG had shortlisted Odegaard as a potential signing following his star season with the Gunners. The Norwegian has blossomed into one of the Premier League's highest-level performers and has been instrumental in Arsenal's superb campaign.
Odegaard has scored 15 goals, contributed seven assists and was named Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football Awards in March. His influence on the Gunners' side is clear.
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However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to react quickly to this speculation as he attempts to secure a long-term deal for the former Real Madrid player. Odegaard initially arrived at the North London club in January 2021, making his move permanent six months later.
He has two years remaining on his current Arsenal contract, but the Standard report that extending this deal is a priority for the North London club despite them possessing the option of a one-year contract extension.
The 24-year-old is said to feel at home in north London and wants to help inspire another Premier League title bid next season for Arteta’s side, who are hopeful of extending his contract until at least 2027.
