Arsenal will not have any interest in entertaining bids to part ways with 26-year-old Norwegian international Martin Odegaard amid his links with Barcelona.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Martin Odegaard is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a versatile playmaker next year. So, the 26-year-old Arsenal star has emerged as a target for the Blaugrana. However, Dean Jones has ruled out a move.

He said, “I can not see Arsenal entertaining an offer for Odegaard. Part of that is that if Barcelona are the ones to test the water, how much are they putting on the table to make it tempting? I know Barcelona still have a magic touch, but we can not pretend they have the financial power to push Arsenal into a sale of one of their most important players. Arsenal are one of the most powerful clubs in the transfer market and you don’t just take players away against their will.”

Martin Odegaard and his time at Arsenal so far

Martin Odegaard has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League since joining Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2021. The 26-year-old initially joined the North London club in January before completing a permanent move in a deal worth £30 million in the subsequent summer transfer window.

Odegaard has made over 200 appearances thus far for Arsenal while chipping in with 41 goals and 40 assists. Meanwhile, Odegaard’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Barcelona will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature next year.

La Liga return on the horizon?

Barcelona’s interest in Martin Odegaard is understandable. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a versatile playmaker heading into the next two transfer windows. While Hansi Flick has several midfielders in his squad, Odegaard’s ability to reprise multiple roles in the final third makes the Arsenal captain an appealing target.

So, the former Real Madrid prospect has emerged as a viable target, with recent reports suggesting a bid may be on the cards. However, Dean Jones has ruled out a move, claiming Arsenal will not entertain any bids to part ways with the 26-year-old playmaker next year.

Odegaard’s status as the club captain means he is a pivotal figure for Mikel Arteta. Additionally, the Gunners want to secure the Norwegian international’s long-term future, having held talks over a new contract with his entourage. So, Barcelona must look elsewhere for a new playmaker.