Arsenal respond as Martin Odegaard 'agrees' €40m transfer

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Arsenal sources have responded to suggestions that Martin Odeegard has greenlit a transfer to Galatasaray.

The Gunners captain is currently having the time of his life at the World Cup. Norway have reached the round of 32 after beating the Ivory Coast and will face Brazil in a hugely exciting clash on Sunday.

The game will renew the rivalry between Man City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, while Gabriel Martinelli will look to keep up his positive momentum after scoring Brazil's winner against Japan.

Amid all of the World Cup excitement, a stunning rumour has emerged, claiming that Odegaard may not return to North London after the World Cup. Turkish journalist Selman Ozturk asserts that Galatasaray are pushing to complete a deal for the 27-year-old.

Links with Odegaard shouldn't be totally surprising. Galatasaray are looking to sign a marquee attacker this summer, with the No.10 position definitely one that could be strengthened significantly. The Istanbul giants have also been associated with Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes.

Could Odegaard leave Arsenal?

What's more, BBC reporter Sami Mokbel recently claimed that he has heard "whispers" that Arsenal could be open to offers for Odegaard this summer. The Norwegian has struggled with injuries and not been as impactful as Gunners fans would have hoped in recent seasons.

Nevertheless, Ozturk's report is a bombshell because he hasn't merely said that Galatasaray are interested in Odegaard. He asserts that the Arsenal captain has already agreed personal terms after his agent held face-to-face talks with the club in Istanbul last week.

It was added that it is now down to the clubs to reach an agreement, with Galatasaray hoping to strike a deal south of €40 million. Alternatively, Gala would be prepared to pay a larger fee but in instalments over a longer period of time.

So, is there any truth in Ozturk's reporting? Not according to football.london. The outlet understands that claims of an agreement with Galatasaray are simply false.

Moreover, sources close to the player insist that his agent, Bjorn Kvarme, has not been anywhere near Istanbul recently. In fact, he is currently with Odegaard in the United States.

The 27-year-old is said to be "very happy" at Arsenal, and the club are also generally happy with him. It is acknowledged that Odegaard has been unlucky with injuries, but as things stand, he will report to pre-season as usual and stay with the Gunners beyond this summer.