In a season full of disappointments for Arsenal, perhaps the most underwhelming player in the squad has been Martin Odegaard.
It was around this time last year that the Norwegian maestro was awarded his second Player of the Year award in as many years, but this season, we don't think he's even cracked the top ten.
So far, the captain has amassed a lacklustre haul of just five goals and 11 assists in 43 first-team appearances, a significant step-down from the 11 goals and 12 assists he racked up in 48 games last year.
odegaard-arsenal
However, it's not all doom and gloom, as recent reports suggest the club may now be looking to sign an international superstar who could get Odegaard back to his very best.
Arsenal transfer news
The good news is that, in recent weeks, Arsenal have been linked to a host of talented attackers who could help move the team forward next season, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Morgan Rogers.
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The former could be available for as little as £63m, and while that is a lot of money, it would still be a bargain for a striker who has scored 52 goals and provided 13 assists in 50 appearances this season.
Likewise, while the supposed £100m price tag for Rogers is certainly eye-watering, there is no denying that, with 14 goals and 14 assists to his name in 52 games this year, Aston Villa are justified in asking for that much.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
However, there is now another game-changing international linked with the Gunners who could help revive Odegaard: Rodrygo.
Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal have now entered the race for the Real Madrid star's signature this summer.
Interestingly, while the report claims no official negotiations have begun, it does reveal that the Gunners have already made contact and held 'preliminary' talks to understand the player's situation.
The good news is that the winger supposedly wants to experience a new challenge, but the bad news is that he may cost up to €100m, which is about £85m.
FFC in-text wider Rodrygo (1)
It would be a complicated and costly deal to get over the line, but given Rodrygo's immense ability, it's one worth fighting for, especially as he could help revive Odegaard.
How Rodrygo would revive Odegaard
So then, to get straight to the point, just how would Rodrygo help Odegaard get back to his best?
Arsenal-Martin-Odegaard (1)
Well, while there are a few reasons, they all ultimately stem back to one thing: his output.
For example, in just 52 appearances last season, the "world-class superstar," as dubbed by Luka Modrić, managed to score 18 goals and provide nine assists in just 52 appearances, totalling 3777 minutes, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games, or every 139.88 minutes.
Then, even though this season has been a rough one for Los Blancos, the £202k-per-week dynamo has managed to remain an effective outlet.
For example, in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, the "spectacular" international, as dubbed by manager Carlo Ancelotti, has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes.
Rodrygo vs Martinelli vs Trossard
Players
Appearances
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Goal Involvements per Match
Minutes per Goal Involvement
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In contrast, Arteta's current options on the left wing have been far less effective, with Leandro Trossard producing 19 goal involvements in 54 games, totalling 3340 minutes, and Gabriel Martinelli managing 16 goal involvements in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes.
In other words, the former is averaging a goal involvement every 2.84 games, or every 175.78 minutes, while the Brazilian is averaging one every 3.06 games, or every 212.68 minutes.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo
Now, just imagine how many more assists or even goals Odegaard would be able to rack up with a far more effective winger on the left instead of having to rely on Bukayo Saka for most of the scoring and creating in the final third.
Moreover, on top of finishing his chances more often, the Real star would force opposition defenders to focus more of their energy on locking down the left flank as well, in turn opening up more space for the Norwegian to operate in.
Ultimately, from his output to the effect his presence would have on opposition teams, it's clear that Rodrygo could help Odegaard get back to something like his best next season, and therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him up this summer.
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[Their new Declan Rice: Arsenal enter race to sign "generational" £80m star](https://www.footballfancast.com/their-new-declan-rice-arsenal-racing-to-sign-adam-wharton/ "Their new Declan Rice: Arsenal enter race to sign "generational" £80m star")
Arsenal could sign their new Declan Rice this summer.