Arsenal looking to tie down key player to new long-term deal amid interest from Saudi Arabia - Reports

Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign a long-term deal with midfielder Leandro Trossard, a subject of interest from Saudi Arabia. The Belgian has been with the Gunners since January 2023.

In 83 games across competitions, he has contributed 20 goals and 13 assists. That includes two goals and an assist in 15 outings across competitions this season. Both goals have come in 11 games in the Premier League, where Mikel Arteta's side are fourth, behind third-placed Chelsea (19) on goal difference.

Despite the Belgian being contracted to the Emirates till 2026, he has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. To keep prospective suitors at bay, the Gunners - as per Footyinsider correspondent Pete O'Rourke (via AFCStuff) - are keen to tie down Trossard to a new long-term contract.

Arsenal are in poor form in the Premier League, with their quest for a first league title in 21 years looking bleak as they ride a four-game winless run, losing twice. Mikel Arteta's side are coming off a 1-1 draw at Chelsea at the weekend and next host Nottingham Forest on November 23, following the international break.

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Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard explains his absence in Norway's upcoming games

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard has explained that he will not be in action for Norway during the upcoming international break, as he's not fit enough after a long injury layoff.

The 25-year-old returned from an ankle injury in the aforementioned 1-1 Premier League draw at Chelsea at the weekend. However, he won't be in action for Norway in their upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes with Slovenia on Thursday (November 14) and Kazakhstan three days later.

"After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches," Odegaard told the Norwegian Football Association website (as per the BBC).

"I've been through a long training period, and when you haven't practised football in the last nine weeks, it's natural not to be 100% yet.

He concluded:

"I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape. The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches and if I hadn't played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway. It's a very bad feeling to lose these games. I love playing for Norway and with this team."

Odegaard's Norway are atop their Nations League group (League B Group 3), with seven points from four games.