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Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard after Gary Neville claimed he would sign the Norway international \u2018in a heartbeat\u2019.<\/p>\n
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
Odegaard has enjoyed an eye-catching start to the new season, scoring three times including the goal which capped a fine performance in midweek as the Gunners thumped PSV Eindhoven 4-0 on their return to the Champions League after a six-year absence.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old has been rewarded for his outstanding contributions with a new long-term contract which has seen him become the north London club\u2019s highest earner. <\/p>\n
Several rival clubs were reported to have been monitoring Odegaard\u2019s situation which would have come as no surprise to Neville, who last week claimed the former Real Madrid midfielder was starting to draw comparisons with Manchester City legends Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.<\/p>\n
Responding to Neville\u2019s praise of the Arsenal playmaker, Guardiola said ahead of Saturday\u2019s game against Nottingham Forest: He\u2019s an exceptional player. <\/p>\n
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\u2018He settled really good and he became a captain because on and off the pitch as well. He shows consistency playing a lot of games. <\/p>\n
\u2018He suits perfectly the idea for Mikel from Arsenal. He\u2019s a really, really good player.\u2019<\/p>\n
With his future resolved, meanwhile, Odegaard\u2019s immediate focus now will centre on Sunday\u2019s north London derby against Tottenham.<\/p>\n
Speaking about his decision to commit his future to Arsenal, the Gunners skipper said on Friday: \u2018My story has been a bit different. <\/p>\n
\u2018I moved when I was 16 and then changed teams here and there on loan, so for me it\u2019s been a key thing to find a place where I could really settle down. <\/p>\n
\u2018I\u2019ve felt at home here since the first day; I just felt great. This is definitely my home, I\u2019m so happy to be here and to sign a new deal.\u2019<\/p>\n