Martin Odegaard has been one of Arsenal's leading lights during recent years but the Norwegian now has huge competition for a starting berth as a possible exit is talked up
Martin Odegaard was signed by Arsenal on a permanent basis back in 2021
Martin Odegaard was signed by Arsenal on a permanent basis back in 2021(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard maybe well consider his future at the Emirates with his role no longer guaranteed, according to Steve Nicol.
The Norwegian playmaker has been key to the club's rise in recent years, joining when he was deemed surplus to requirements by Real Madrid. Injury has seen his minutes limited and there is now huge competition for starting berths in north London.
On Sunday Odegaard emerged from the bench, playing just 13 minutes, with Mikel Arteta now having the likes of Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka to choose from in forward areas.
The captain has started in 13 of the games he's been available for, beginning on the bench on seven occasions, but Nicol has questioned whether Odegaard will be prepared to accept a lesser role if that does turn out to be the case.
He said on ESPN: "Odegaard might be leaving Arsenal. If you’re Odegaard, the club captain and 18 months ago you were the guy. All of a sudden – and I know he’s had some injuries – but there’s question marks over whether he actually starts because of Eze.
"And maybe because of the way he’s been playing, someone else might get ahead of him as well. So if you’re Martin Odegaard, do you stick around? I don’t think you do."
Ex-Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf also claimed that the Norwegian's contributions have tailed off. He said: "I agree, I agree. I’ve always liked Martin Odegaard and the way he plays because he’s very elegant, but he’s not influential anymore. He’s there to start the action, to distribute the ball horizontally. But with Eze right now the moves are not the same, he’s more vertical, more influential and he’s going to help [Viktor] Gyokeres too."
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze of Arsenal talk during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Odegaard has scored once in 26 outings across all competitions and could post his lowest figures yet since becoming an Arsenal player. He's previously had huge contributions in the final third, scoring 15 times three seasons ago when the Gunners first finished second under Arteta.
The club's attacking depth has allowed the team to rotate their personnel, but it has left big players constantly dealing with selection setbacks. Ethan Nwaneri has had to head out on loan after seeing his opportunities reduced, such has been the competition for places.