Martin Ødegaard open to Bayern Munich move as Arsenal begin contract talks

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is reportedly open to joining Bayern Munich in the future, although the German champions are not currently prioritising a move for the midfielder.

The 27-year-old Norway international has a contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2028, prompting Arsenal to begin informal discussions over an extension.

According to Sky Deutschland, Bayern have maintained contact with Ødegaard's representatives in previous years, but there is no indication that a transfer is being actively pursued.

Bayern Munich have admired Ødegaard for several years and previously explored the possibility of signing him.

Sky Deutschland reporters Florian Plettenberg and Luca Sixtus report that the midfielder could envisage playing for the Bundesliga champions at some point in his career.

The two parties have been in contact on several occasions in previous years, although those discussions have never resulted in a transfer.

However, Bayern are not currently treating Ødegaard as a priority target.

The German club have no immediate plans to pursue negotiations with Arsenal, meaning any potential move remains a longer-term possibility rather than an active transfer.

Ødegaard remains an important figure under Mikel Arteta, having captained Arsenal to the Premier League title last season.

The Norwegian has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring four goals.

Arsenal are working to extend Ødegaard's contract before he enters the final year of his current agreement.

According to Sky Deutschland, initial informal discussions have already taken place over a new deal.

The midfielder's existing contract runs until June 2028, giving Arsenal time to negotiate but also creating a potential decision point next summer.

The report claims the Gunners could consider selling their captain in summer 2027 if they fail to agree an extension.

Such a move would allow Arsenal to receive a transfer fee rather than risk losing him when his contract expires.

However, no decision to sell has been made, and there is no indication that Ødegaard has rejected Arsenal's attempts to secure his future.

The club remain keen to retain a player who has become central to Arteta's midfield and leadership group.

Ødegaard's reported openness to joining Bayern does not mean a transfer is imminent.

Sky Deutschland states that the Norwegian is not currently among Bayern's priority targets, despite the previous contact between the two parties.

The report also suggests that other major European clubs have made enquiries about the Arsenal captain.

That interest could become relevant if Arsenal's contract negotiations fail to produce an agreement.

For now, however, Ødegaard remains under contract at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal's priority is to secure his long-term future.

Any potential transfer would depend on both the outcome of those talks and whether Bayern or another interested club decide to make a concrete approach.

Arsenal will continue discussions over a new contract as they seek to prevent Ødegaard from entering the final year of his agreement in summer 2027.

Bayern Munich are not currently pursuing a deal, but their position could become relevant if the midfielder's future remains unresolved.

The next significant development will be whether Arsenal and Ødegaard progress from informal discussions to formal contract negotiations.