In the past 12 years, just three players have transferred directly between Arsenal and Manchester United.
That shouldn't come as much of a surprise given the longstanding frosty relationship shared by the two clubs, who have spent the bulk of the Premier League era fighting over the top honours. Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped former United forward Louis Saha imagining his former side pinching a high-profile Gunners star or two.
Speaking to Casino Utan Spelpaus ahead of Wednesday's clash between the two sides, Saha was asked which Arsenal player he'd most like to see move to Old Trafford. "Martin Odegaard is someone that I really like," the 46-year-old replied.
"His intelligence as a provider is similar to Bruno Fernandes. I like his capacity to be in and out of the box. The area that he's playing, sometimes he’s playing deep, sometimes he’s playing really high.
"He provides the connection with the midfield and the strikers, so I really like his positioning. I would think that that's what United needs to create chances, to create a high tempo, to create a bit of extra quality.
Odegaard and Rashford compete for the ball
Saha thinks Man Utd need a player with Odegaard's intelligence (Image: Getty Images)
"Technically, when there is a bit of pressure, you can still give him the ball and it doesn't matter to him. So I would say Odegaard, even if I think physically, we perhaps need a player like Declan Rice in midfield."
His comments speak volumes about the enviable nature of Arsenal's current crop and the gulf in class between Wednesday's opponents. For most of the past 20 years it was generally Gunners fans who'd shoot covetous glances at United players, rather than the other way around, but Saha's remarks show just how much the tide has turned in recent seasons.
Since his transfer from Real Madrid in 2020, Odegaard, 25, has been a revelation at Arsenal. He's not only emerged as arguably the most crucial player for the Gunners, but also as one of Europe's top midfielders - fulfilling the potential he showed when he joined Los Blancos as a prodigious 16-year-old in 2015.
In his four-year tenure in north London, the Norwegian international has clocked up 161 appearances, netted 36 goals and delivered 28 assists. Appointed as club captain in 2022, he's been instrumental in transforming Mikel Arteta's squad into one of the most formidable teams in Europe.
Tonight's clash is pivotal for both clubs. After their resounding 4-0 victory over Everton last weekend, the Red Devils have climbed into the top half of the table for the first time since the season's kick-off, and a win could signal their resurgence as a Premier League force.
Conversely, Arsenal will be keen to narrow the gap with league leaders Liverpool, who take on Newcastle at St James' Park tonight. A defeat could see them fall 12 points behind Arne Slot's side, a deficit that might be insurmountable even in December.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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