Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is seriously considering leaving the club this summer for a new challenge, according to Fichajes.
The Gunners have had a remarkable season so far, sitting four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, while they also progressed to the Champions League last 16 after winning all eight of their League Phase games, and are still in the FA Cup, with one foot in the Carabao Cup final after a semi-final first leg win over Chelsea.
But despite all their success, it's now understood that the Norway international is contemplating leaving the Emirates Stadium for a new experience elsewhere, with several top European clubs showing an interest.
Martin Odegaard Looking to Leave Arsenal
Martin Odegaard and Mikel Arteta
Odegaard, who has been described as 'phenomenal' by Mikel Arteta, has been a regular for the Spaniard since he joined the club, and was given the captain's armband in 2022 after the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
But after initially joining the club back in January 2021 on loan from Real Madrid, it is now being reported that the playmaker is considering a new challenge away from north London. Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are said to be keeping a close eye on his situation, and while Arteta doesn't want to let him leave, a big offer and the player's desire could see them being prepared to sell.
Arsenal would demand at least £80m to let Odegaard go, which would be a club-record sale, with the player under contract until 2028.
Odegaard has seen his form come under major criticism this season after a string of disappointing performances, with many Arsenal fans calling for Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri to be handed some minutes in the central attacking midfield role.
Time Right for Odegaard to Move On?
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates after beating Aston Villa.
While Odegaard is seen as a key player at the Emirates and he has been important to their recent successes, his influence is certainly dwindling, and there is a big argument now that they have better options.
With Eze already in the squad and preferring to play centrally, while Nwaneri has gone on loan to Marseille to improve, the summer could be the perfect time for Arsenal to move Odegaard on for a big fee without finding themselves weaker afterwards.
If Odegaard isn't entirely committed, then a move probably makes sense for all parties involved, and it could be the start of a new era for the Gunners.