Martin Ødegaard is on the verge of becoming one of the most surprising transfers of this summer, with the Arsenal captain just a step away from swapping London for Istanbul. The Norwegian international, who was once regarded as one of the biggest stars of the Premier League, has reached a full agreement with Galatasaray, with only the final details of a deal estimated to be around 40 million euros left to be settled between the two clubs.
According to information released on Wednesday, Ødegaard's agent, Bjorn Kvarme, was recently in Istanbul to finalize the personal terms of the contract with the Turkish giant. The agreement with the player is sealed, and there are no obstacles on the part of the 27-year-old attacking midfielder to move to the Turkish Super League. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal and Galatasaray can align on financial demands, as the Turkish champions aim to reduce the final transfer fee to less than 40 million euros or, alternatively, secure a long-term installment payment plan.
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This potential departure of Ødegaard not only shakes up the market but could also drastically alter the balance of power in the Premier League and the Turkish Super League. The Norwegian was one of the central figures in Mikel Arteta's project at Arsenal, particularly in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, where he was frequently cited as one of the best midfielders in the English league. However, the last two seasons have been marked by recurring physical problems and a noticeable drop in performance, factors that may have weighed in Arsenal's decision to part ways with their captain.
The news takes on special relevance in a context where Arsenal has just won the Premier League, but with Ødegaard having a very limited influence on the team's success. The numbers speak for themselves: in the 2025/26 season, he recorded only one goal in 36 matches, a sharp decline compared to the 15 goals in 45 games logged during the golden season of 2022/23. This drop in productivity, coupled with the constant threat of injuries, has raised doubts about his future in London and reignited discussions about the need for renewal in the Gunners' midfield.
Turkish journalist Selman Öztürk revealed on social media that “Galatasaray has reached an agreement with Martin Ødegaard on all fronts. The player's agent, Bjorn Kvarme, was in Istanbul last week and there are no obstacles from the player's side. In negotiations with Arsenal, the aim is for a fee below 40 million euros or long-term installments.” These statements come at a time when rumors about the Norwegian's departure are intensifying, increasing pressure on Arsenal's management to secure a quick and advantageous solution for all parties involved.
Despite the recent decline, selling Ødegaard will not be a risk-free decision for Arsenal. The Norwegian, who came through the Real Madrid academy, has stood out for his unique ability to dictate the pace of the game, contributing goals and assists from midfield while excelling in defensive work and high pressing. Finding a replacement with the same profile and impact will be a Herculean task, especially in an inflated market where players with similar characteristics command astronomical fees. The potential €40 million from the sale could be important for entering the market, but it is unlikely to be enough to secure a reinforcement of equal caliber.
The coming days promise to be frantic in London and Istanbul, as negotiations between the clubs enter a decisive phase. If the transfer is confirmed, Arsenal will need to act quickly to find an alternative that maintains the team's competitive level, while Galatasaray prepares to welcome one of the biggest recent stars of European football, betting everything on the ambition to win domestic titles and perform well in European competitions. One thing is certain: the outcome of this situation could mark a turning point in the Gunners' sporting project and open a new era for Ødegaard in Turkish football.
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