Arsenal’s Puzzling Salary Boost for Trossard: A Risky Gambit?
In a move that has left football pundits scratching their heads, Arsenal has decided to reward Belgian midfielder Martin Ødegaard with a significant wage increase. However, the Gunners have not extended his contract beyond its current expiration date in June 2027.
What’s the Catch?
Ødegaard, now 30, will indeed receive a substantial raise, with his weekly earnings set to surpass 110,000 pounds. But here’s the catch: Arsenal has not agreed to extend his contract beyond the current two years.
“This is a curious decision,” football economist Kieran Maguire told The Football Economist. “Without contract extension, how do they plan to sell him?”
Trossard’s Market Value: A Thorny Issue
Ødegaard’s market value has been a contentious topic. In the 2025 summer transfer market, he received interest from clubs like Fenerbahçe, Brentford, and Borussia Dortmund. However, Arsenal valued him at a whopping 30 million euros, which caused some clubs to hesitate.
Arteta’s Role in the Decision
It’s worth noting that Ødegaard was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United. This decision by manager Mikel Arteta has fueled speculation about the player’s role in the team.
Why This Move Could Backfire
By not extending Ødegaard’s contract, Arsenal could be setting themselves up for a difficult situation. When his contract expires in 2027, the Belgian will be a free agent, and the Gunners may not get the transfer value they hope for.
As Maguire pointed out, Arsenal could end up losing a free player in the summer of 2027 without any significant transfer fee to show for it.
Did Ødegaard Make a Mistake?
Ødegaard’s decision to only increase his salary without renewing his contract is certainly unusual. While it’s possible he believes in Arsenal’s long-term prospects, some fans and pundits wonder if he might have missed an opportunity.
Looking Ahead
Only time will tell if Arsenal’s move pays off. For now, fans can only wait and watch how Ødegaard’s situation unfolds.
FAQ
What does Ødegaard’s new salary mean for Arsenal?
It means Arsenal will have to pay Ødegaard more for the remaining two years of his contract. However, they won’t be able to maximize his transfer value if they want to sell him later.
Did you know? Ødegaard joined Arsenal in January 2023 from Real Sociedad.
As the football world awaits further developments, one thing is clear: Arsenal’s decision to increase Ødegaard’s salary but not extend his contract is a high-stakes gamble.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ødegaard’s situation and Arsenal’s transfer strategy at 247sports.news. Join the conversation in the comments and share your thoughts on this surprising decision.