Bayern Munich are not coming for Arsenal’s captain. That is the verdict of Bild’s Christian Falk, who has dismissed the talk of a move to Germany as simply “not true”.
The timing could hardly be better for Gooners. Martin Odegaard was the man who settled Saturday’s game against Hull City, following up late on to score the only goal and keep Arsenal six points clear at the top going into the international break.
Now the Bayern story that had been hanging over him for more than a week has been all but shut down.
Where did the Bayern talk come from?
It started with Sky Sport Germany, who claimed Odegaard could imagine himself playing for Bayern Munich at some stage of his career. As we covered at the time, that report also said Arsenal would be open to selling their captain next summer if talks over a new contract failed.
Arsenal, for their part, are keen to tie him down. His current deal runs until 2028, and the club have made a habit of not letting key contracts drift into their final year.
What did Christian Falk say about Martin Odegaard?
Falk was asked directly whether Bayern were interested and whether that could complicate Arsenal’s plans. His answer left very little room for doubt.
He said: “That’s not true. He’s now too old and too good for Bayern Munich to bring in for a position where they already have players.”
Falk also went back to Odegaard’s teenage years, when the Norwegian, then around 16, trained at Säbener Straße while Pep Guardiola was in charge. Bayern were very interested back then, but they did not get him. “It’s always good when you link such players with Bayern Munich, but ultimately, no, he won’t come. Sorry,” he added.
Why the move never made sense for Bayern
Look at their squad and Falk’s point is easy to follow. Jamal Musiala already plays in that No.10 role, Lennart Karl looks like his long-term successor, and Michael Olise can also play centrally.
Spending big on a 27-year-old for a position that is already covered was never the kind of business that fits their plans, however good the player.
Is Odegaard staying at Arsenal?
Everything points that way. With Bayern ruled out, the only question left is the new contract, and that has been Arsenal’s priority all along.
His form is helping too. He has just passed 250 games for the club, and the late winner against Hull was the kind of moment that reminds everyone why Mikel Arteta made him captain.
Verdict: Odegaard to Bayern Munich is dead
I never bought the idea that Arsenal’s captain was eyeing the exit, and this feels like the end of it. Sky’s report always read more like leverage in a contract negotiation than a real transfer plan.
Now the pressure is gone. Arsenal should use the quiet of the international break to get the extension over the line, because there is no longer any rival waiting in the wings to push the price up.
