EXCL: Big-money signing finally leaves Arsenal, Odegaard contract talks, truth about Man City targets, elite stars who rejected Saudi, and more

Today's exclusive column, looking at big stories at Arsenal, Man City, and more.

Nicolas Pepe leaves Arsenal, but new deal likely for Martin Odegaard

It’s finally official, Nicolas Pepe has left Arsenal, with his contract terminated by the club, allowing him to move to Trabzonspor on a free transfer. Pepe has left Arsenal on a permanent transfer after becoming their record signing just four years ago when he joined from Lille in an €80m package.

Pepe has signed a one-year contract to seal his move to Turkey, with an option for a second season. It’s over for Pepe at Arsenal, but there’s more positive news elsewhere at the club as the story will continue with Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard is in love with Arsenal, and Arsenal are in love with Odegaard, so the feeling is mutual that they will continue together for a long time. Odegaard is club captain, and an important player on and off the pitch. Arsenal are now planning to continue contract negotiations with Odegaard in the next weeks and months, in order to get a new deal done, following the fine work they did to tie down other star players such as Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Aaron Ramsdale and Reiss Nelson in recent months.

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Authors
Fabrizio Romano