Arsenal fans get EXCITING update from Fabrizio Romano

Robin Bairner

• 17 Aug 2023 10:07 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal may have done the bulk of their work in the transfer window, but the Gunners are eager to make progress in securing the current core of their squad.

Mikel Arteta has added Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to his squad this summer on a permanent basis, while David Raya has joined on loan from Brentford.

It is possible at least one more name could arrive if the right sales can be made, but for the moment Arsenal’s priority is tying down the players they already have.

MORE: Arsenal continue transfer talks after €42m REJECTION

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are working on talks with captain Martin Odegaard in order to prolong his contract.

FootballTransfers previously revealed that the Gunners are seeking to tie down Odegaard imminently, but the summer transfer window has taken priority for the time being.

With much of the hard yards down in the market, Romano says last season’s Premier League runners up are now refocusing on their current players.

MORE: How much have Arsenal spent on transfers so far this summer?

Taking to Twitter, he explained: “Arsenal want to advance in talks to get new deal done for Martin Odegaard in the next weeks.

“Initial discussions set to take place as extending Martin’s contract will be one of the priorities of the year.”

Odegaard vital to Arsenal

Odegaard has established himself as one of the club’s key players since arriving from Real Madrid on loan in 2021. That deal was subsequently made permanent for €35 million.

Arsenal have been working hard at futureproofing their squad, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka among those who have had their contracts extended since the beginning of the year.

The Gunners currently have eight players who are out of contract in 2024, though none of them are regarded as important members of the squad with the exception of Jorginho, who has been linked with a move to both the Saudi Pro League and Fenerbahce this summer.