Drammen, Norway – As Arsenal push towards a Premier League title, the future of key players Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli is already becoming a topic of speculation. Reports emerging from Europe suggest that both players are attracting significant interest from top clubs, including Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
The situation highlights the delicate balance Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces: maintaining a squad capable of competing for major honors while also navigating the financial realities of modern football. Several reports indicate Arsenal may be open to considering offers for players to bolster their financial position, despite their on-field success. What we have is particularly relevant given recent reports of financial pressures at the club.
Barcelona and Atlético Madrid Circle Arsenal Stars
According to sources, Barcelona has identified Martin Ødegaard as a potential target. The Norwegian midfielder, currently captaining both Arsenal and his national team, has become a pivotal figure in Arteta’s system. Ødegaard, 27 as of December 17, 2025, has demonstrated exceptional playmaking ability since joining Arsenal, scoring 34 goals in 159 appearances as of March 1, 2026. His vision, passing range, and technical skill make him a highly sought-after asset.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly a keen admirer of Ødegaard, viewing him as an ideal player to control the tempo in midfield. However, Arsenal have firmly dismissed any notion of selling their captain, according to transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke. O’Rourke stated that Arsenal have “no intention whatsoever of selling Odegaard anytime soon.”
Alongside Ødegaard, Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli is also attracting attention. Atlético Madrid is among the clubs reportedly monitoring Martinelli’s situation. The 23-year-vintage has consistently impressed with his pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability, becoming a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium.
Ødegaard’s Journey to Arsenal
Martin Ødegaard’s career path has been anything but conventional. Beginning his senior career at Strømsgodset in Norway at the remarkably young age of 15 in 2014, he quickly established himself as a promising talent, setting a league record as its youngest goalscorer. His potential led to a move to Real Madrid in 2015, where he initially played for the Real Madrid Castilla side.
However, Ødegaard struggled to break into the Real Madrid first team, making only 8 appearances across all competitions. He subsequently embarked on a series of loan spells, gaining valuable experience in the Netherlands with Heerenveen and Vitesse, and in Spain with Real Sociedad. It was at Real Sociedad where he truly began to flourish, winning the Copa del Rey in 2019.
His loan spell at Arsenal in 2021 proved transformative, leading to a permanent move to North London. Since then, Ødegaard has become a key player for the Gunners, consistently delivering standout performances and solidifying his status as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
Arsenal’s Stance and Potential Departures
Despite the interest from European giants, Arsenal appear determined to hold onto their key players. The club has Ødegaard under contract until the summer of 2028, providing them with a strong negotiating position. However, reports suggest that Arsenal may be willing to consider offers for other players as part of a squad overhaul.
Several other Arsenal stars have been linked with potential departures this summer, indicating a possible reshaping of the squad. The club’s financial situation may necessitate player sales to fund future transfers and maintain financial stability.
It’s important to note that Martinelli and Odegaard’s current form, coupled with their importance to Arteta’s tactical setup, makes a departure unlikely unless a significantly lucrative offer is presented. Arteta clearly values both players, and their contributions are crucial to Arsenal’s ambitions.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s immediate focus remains on securing the Premier League title. They continue to compete at the top of the table, and their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining their fate. The club will also be preparing for potential transfer activity in the summer window, with both incomings and outgoings expected.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Arsenal is their Premier League match against Manchester City on March 16, 2026, at 4:30 PM GMT (9:30 PM CET). This match is expected to be a pivotal encounter in the title race.
The situation surrounding Ødegaard and Martinelli will undoubtedly continue to be monitored closely by fans and pundits alike. Whether Arsenal can resist the advances of Europe’s elite clubs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Gunners are building something special, and retaining their key players will be vital to their long-term success.
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