Arsenal boss Mikel Artetaplaceholder image
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta | Getty Images
Arsenal have a big decision to make regarding the long-term future of the player this summer
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table ahead of Manchester City and can head into the final weeks of the season with hope that this is the year they finally get their hands on the trophy. The London outfit have fallen short over recent years, but are in a very strong position now with a seven-point lead at the top.
The Gunners won 1-0 away at Brighton and Hove Albion last time out after winger Bukayo Saka got their goal against the Seagulls at the AMEX Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side are back in action this weekend with an FA Cup trip to Mansfield Town - but a new story concerning some surprising business that they might do in the summer has caught the eye just as much as any of their upcoming fixtures. Could they really be on the verge of selling one of their star players?
Arsenal could consider Martin Ødegaard sale this summer
Despite Arsenal’s success on the pitch, it has been a tough season personally for Martin Ødegaard. The attacking midfielder has struggled with injury niggles and hasn’t been able to play as much football as he would have hoped to. As a result, his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium is up in the air.
According to The Telegraph, the Gunners could sell him in the summer if the right bid comes in. His contract expires in June 2028. That means he still has a couple of years left to run down and a fee would be required from another team to lure him away.
Ødegaard, 27, has made 27 outings in all competitions in this campaign, 20 of which have come in the league. He has chipped in with one goal and seven assists. The playmaker has been limited to a lot of cameo appearances though and hasn’t started many games, which hasn’t been ideal for him. The result has been a somewhat disappointing season despite his side’s successes.
What now for Martin Ødegaard at Arsenal?
Arsenal will be mulling over what to do next with Ødegaard ahead of the next campaign. It may be wise to sell him now as they would be able to receive some decent amount of cash for him. That would help raise funds to pave the way for other reinforcements who are more robust and can stay fit. However, letting him go would be a hard choice due to his affiliation with the club.
The Norway international, who has 67 caps to his name, has been a great servant to the Gunners since his move there in 2021. His spell seems to be petering out now though and a change of scene would do him good. He has played over 200 games and leaving with a title would be a nice way for him to bow out.
Ødegaard has serious quality when injury-free and there is likely to be a lot of suitors should he become available. Prior to his move to Arsenal, he spent six years on the books at Real Madrid. He went on to play only 11 times for the La Liga giants though.
They loaned him out to SC Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad to get some experience and to boost his development. His career stalled somewhat before Arsenal helped him get back on track. He still has plenty of years left ahead of him and seems older than he is due to the fact he burst onto the scene so young.
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