Christian Falk Dismisses Martin Odegaard-to-Bayern Munich Transfer Talk

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is not expected to join Bayern Munich, with Bild head of football Christian Falk dismissing speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Germany.

Speaking on his CF Bayern Insider website, Falk said the 27-year-old was too old and too good for Bayern's current needs, particularly given their existing options in midfield.

The rumours emerged towards the end of October when Sky Germany reported that Odegaard could consider leaving Arsenal if the two sides fail to agree on a new contract beyond 2028.

Arsenal have held initial informal talks over an extension and want to avoid the midfielder entering the final year of his deal. Sky reported that the Gunners could consider selling him next summer if negotiations do not progress.

“He’s now too old and far too good for it to be an option for FC Bayern – especially at a time when the club is already fully stocked in this position,” Falk said.

The journalist acknowledged that Bayern were genuinely interested in Odegaard earlier in his career. He recalled the Norwegian visiting the club as a teenager for a training week under Pep Guardiola.

“Remember, when he was very, very young (I think about 16 or so), he was at Säbener Straße for a training session week when Pep Guardiola was the manager,” Falk said.

“At this point, it was very interesting for FC Bayern to sign the player, but they didn’t get him in the end.”

However, Falk ruled out a move to Munich in the near future.

“It’s always nice to see such names connected with the Bundesliga giants, but he won’t be coming to Bayern any time soon,” he added.

Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 before signing permanently that August. He was appointed captain in July 2022 and guided the club to a first Premier League title in 22 years.

Falk also discussed Arsenal-linked RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, revealing that Bayern showed interest in the 21-year-old during the summer transfer window.

Sporting director Max Eberl is an admirer of the Norwegian and would like to bring him to Munich. Bayern had been looking for a backup option for Luis Diaz, but Falk stressed that Nusa should not be viewed as a backup player.

Nusa joined Leipzig in 2024 and has a contract until 2029. Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg has described a potential move to Bayern as very unrealistic at this stage.