As Arsenal intensified their efforts to sign Bruno Guimaraes, it seemed Martin Odegaard was the midfielder who would suffer the most when the Brazilian arrived. The Gunners have now sealed the deal for his signature, and he joins an already established midfield containing some of the top players in Europe.
In the last two seasons, Odegaard has been plagued by injuries, which have affected his involvement with the team. He has missed several games, and when Eberechi Eze joined the team, most people expected Odegaard to struggle for regular game time.
Odegaard Remains Key to Arsenal
However, Odegaard fought back after returning from injury, and he remains the most important attacking midfielder in the team. This is why he will almost certainly continue playing now that Guimaraes has joined Arsenal.
According to Sporten, Martin Zubimendi is the midfielder who could struggle for game time following Guimaraes’ arrival. The report says Odegaard will continue to play, while the midfield three is likely to include him, Declan Rice and Guimaraes, with Zubimendi potentially starting on the bench.
The situation could be difficult for Zubimendi, particularly given his importance to Arsenal since joining the club. Despite being an established midfielder, he may now have to compete for a starting place in a midfield that has several strong options.
Zubimendi Could Face Competition
The report compares Zubimendi’s potential situation with his experience during the World Cup for Spain, when he sat on the bench. That comparison highlights how competitive the midfield could become now that Guimaraes has joined the Gunners.
Zubimendi has also been linked with leaving Arsenal, but it is unlikely that the club will allow him to depart. His presence gives the team another high-quality option in midfield, even if his role becomes more limited.
For Odegaard, the arrival of Guimaraes appears unlikely to threaten his position. His importance as an attacking midfielder means he should remain a regular starter, while the competition could instead affect Zubimendi.
Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Ødegaard
Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Ødegaard