This season has truly been a roller-coaster ride. Some shocking results on the field, paired with shocking transfer moves and rumours off the field, this season is already a blockbuster. As we approach the final few months of the season, the title race in the Premier League is also heating up. And Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team are comfortably leading the race. They are currently competing with Manchester City for the title. As the Gunners and Mikel Arteta look to strengthen the team and make changes, they are reportedly all set to make a shock sale: the sale of club captain Martin Odegaard. However, it is being reported that Martin Odegaard himself wants to voluntarily leave the club. This complicates things for Arsenal in so many ways, as they will be losing one of their leaders.
🚨 Martin Ødegaard is reportedly considering a potential exit from Arsenal, with concrete interest from Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Reports in Spain claim Bayern, led by Vincent Kompany, see him as a key part of their midfield rebuild, while Inter believe he would be the… pic.twitter.com/FQI58LxRL9
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) January 29, 2026
Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has been the main man at Arsenal for quite a while now. Especially in Mikel Arteta’s system, he has been the engine of the team. Odegaard, over the years, has made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. The Norwegian initially came in as a loan player from Real Madrid before making the permanent move in the 21/22 season. Odegaard was the architect in Arsenal’s transformation from being a mid-table club to becoming regular title favourites. He consistently put in high-quality shifts in the midfield. He truly rejuvenated the Arsenal midfield, possessing the ability to control the game while also being a creative presence.
However, the last couple of seasons haven’t been the best of stints from Martin Odegaard. Especially in the ongoing season, he has failed to be that creative presence for Arsenal. The goals have reduced drastically, as Odegaard has scored just one goal in all competitions this season. His overall ability to create chances has also not been up to the mark. That is very evident in the way Arsenal have played this season, as they have heavily lacked a creative presence in attack.
Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard
When manager Mikel Arteta was asked about Odegaard’s disappointing returns this season, he seemed to back his captain.
“Those are the numbers but we have to give the full numbers as well. He’s played much less minutes than in any other season as well because he’s been injured three times, that’s the reality. We want to improve that, for sure, we want him to affect the game in the area where we can win football matches. But you know Martin and how he works every single day, I have no doubt that that will come,” Arteta said.
The sale of Martin Odegaard
As Odegaard continues to find it difficult at Arsenal this season, he reportedly wants a change of environment. He wants a fresh new challenge so he can rejuvenate his career. European giants Bayern Munich and Inter Milan reportedly want to sign Odegaard. For now, people believe that Arteta is not really looking to get rid of the club captain. However, if Odegaard continues his poor form and a hefty transfer offer comes in, the Spaniard will definitely look to cash in on the deal. Arsenal value Martin Odegaard at around £80m, which would be a club record sale.
Conclusion
Martin Odegaard is not helping this Arsenal team in any way with his disappointing form. Especially when they have been struggling to create goals this season despite their league position, they need a strong attacking presence in the midfield. If Odegaard cannot be that presence, and if he wants to leave, it might be best for all parties involved to make the sale.
As featured on GoonerNews.com