Arsenal are prepared to sanction the departure of captain Martin Odegaard this summer if they receive a suitable offer, according to the BBC's Sami Mokbel. The Gunners are looking to raise funds for key targets after winning their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Title-Winning Squad Faces Overhaul
Mikel Arteta and the club's hierarchy are not resting on their laurels after ending the club's long title drought. Josh Kroenke confirmed plans are already underway to strengthen the squad to defend the title and challenge for the Champions League. Arteta admitted after defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest that he wants a side capable of attacking freely rather than relying solely on defensive solidity.
Arsenal are pressing ahead with a move for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and are considering bids for Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola. To fund these transfers, several first-team players could be sold, including Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Christian Norgaard.
Odegaard's Decline in Influence
Odegaard joined Arsenal initially on loan from Real Madrid five years ago and was appointed captain after Granit Xhaka's departure. However, a fractured ankle suffered while playing for Norway in September 2024 sparked a series of injuries that have seen his impact wane. He missed a total of 30 matches for club and country last season.
Eberechi Eze, signed last summer, has shared playmaking duties with Odegaard, reducing the Norwegian's indispensability. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have been tentatively linked with the 27-year-old, and Arsenal would seek a substantial profit on the £30 million they paid to sign him.
Merson Predicts Exit
Arsenal legend Paul Merson expressed doubts about Odegaard's future earlier this month. 'It's madness for me to be saying this, but they probably will be thinking about that [selling Martin Odegaard],' Merson said on The Sports Agents. 'But for me, I still think there'll be teams queuing round the block for him… When you play in the position that Odegaard plays in, you're screaming out for pace up front. You have to have pace.'
Arsenal's transfer window is set to be busy as Arteta looks to build a squad capable of sustained success, potentially at the cost of one of his most trusted players.
