It would have been definitely a very dumb decision taken by Arsenal if they actually let him go. Especially right now, he is a very good player. And for Arsenal he is definitely an important player. At 24 years of age, it looks like he has a good head on his shoulder. On the field, it does look like he knows what he is doing. So when Arsenal is chasing the English Premier League trophy, it is important for Arsenal that they keep players like this which are very important for them and I actually thought it was obvious that Arsenal is going to extend his contract with the club. Which they did. good decision was taken by Arsenal authority.
Yes, Arsenal are not that dumb actually as they know they wouldn't want to lose the player and go again to find player with such qualities. He is indispensable member of the squad. Only thing worrying was if someone would approach Odegaard before Arsenal to make a move but player also had the same feeling to continue for Arsenal. In the end it worked out for us and player signed the contract extension. Hopefully we will have some achievements this season as motivation for players to continue on to the building the Arsenal back again process.