Former England international Joe Cole has sparked fresh debate over Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, urging the club to consider allowing the midfielder to leave at the end of the season.
Cole’s comments come amid growing speculation about *ARSENAL*’s summer plans, with the pundit suggesting the Gunners have the “luxury” to cash in on their skipper as they look to reshape the squad. According to recent reports, Cole believes emerging talents and increased competition in attacking midfield could make Ødegaard expendable, particularly if Arsenal pursue a marquee signing in the transfer market.
The Norwegian has endured a challenging campaign by his own high standards. Injuries have limited his consistency, while Arsenal’s growing squad depth has intensified competition for places. Reports indicate he has contributed modestly in terms of goals and assists this season compared to previous campaigns, while also missing key fixtures due to fitness issues.
Cole has pointed to the rise of younger players and alternative options in the No.10 role as a reason ARSENAL could move on from their captain. With talents emerging from within the club’s academy pipeline, the former Chelsea midfielder believes Arsenal are well positioned to evolve without Ødegaard if they choose to do so
Cole said on The Dressing Room podcast: ‘The only problem Arsenal might have is when the contracts are up because I’m looking at a few of those boys and they will want top dollar.
‘Declan [Rice], Gabriel, Saliba… they will all want Real Madrid money. I think they might let Martin Odegaard go but they have the luxury to do that now.
‘They’ve got Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri coming through so you can cash in on some players.’
Why Arteta will remain loyal
Mikel Arteta has built his project around trust, structure and leadership. Ødegaard is not just another midfielder—he is the tactical heartbeat of the team. His understanding of Arteta’s system, particularly in pressing triggers and positional rotations, is difficult to replicate.
Secondly, leadership continuity matters. Arsenal are competing for major honours, and removing the captain could disrupt dressing room stability at a critical stage of their development. Even with emerging talents, replacing Ødegaard’s influence on and off the pitch would be a significant risk
Finally, Arteta has consistently backed his key players through difficult periods, including injuries and dips in form. Ødegaard’s long-term contract and previous performances suggest he remains integral to the club’s vision.
In short, while transfer speculation is inevitable for a club of Arsenal’s stature. Ødegaard may face increased competition—but under Arteta, he is far more likely to stay and remain at the centre of *ARSENAL*’s ambitions than be sacrificed for change.
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