At a Glance:
- Arsenal are tracking a Norwegian youngster.
- The youngster broke one of Martin Odegaard’s longstanding records in Norway.
- The Arsenal target is a young central midfielder by trade.
Arsenal have a history of signing wonderkids, whether it be under Arsene Wenger or Mikel Arteta’s stewardship.
Names like Cesc Fabregas and William Saliba spring instantly to mind as young prospects that went on to become world-class players in the red side of North London.
Gabriel Martinelli’s move to Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 is another example of the club taking a punt on a young talent and their gamble paying off.
| Gabriel Martinelli’s record at Arsenal | Stats |
| Appearances | 270 |
| Goals | 62 |
| Assists | 35 |
It seems like even in the summer of 2026, the Gunners are aiming to add another gifted youngster to their roster.
Arsenal tracking Eirik Granaas
Enter Eirik Granaas, Fredrikstad’s 16-year-old central midfielder, who TV2 reported Arsenal are “keeping an eye” on ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that alongside Mikel Arteta’s side, several top European clubs have been in attendance to scout the teenage sensation in action, who has made five appearances in the Eliteserien.
| Eirik Granaas’ record in the Eliteseries | Stats |
| Matches | 5 |
| Goals | – |
| Assists | – |
Granaas has also piqued RB Leipzig’s interest, who have been tracking the Norwegian for a “long time”
TV2 commentator Petter Bø Tosterud believes the sought-after talent could become Fredrikstad’s most expensive export, beating Fallou Fall’s record of 40 million kr (£3.1 million).
“Of course, it depends on how many clubs actually bid. Another thing is how desperate they are to secure him. But I think they can start talking about a sales record in the Fredrikstad premises.”
Eirik Granaas broke Martin Odegaard’s record in Norway
Granaas first made headlines in June last year, as he came off the bench in Fredrikstad’s 3-0 defeat to Viking SK, becoming the youngest player to play in the Eliteserien at 15 years and 90 days.
In the process, he broke Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s 11-year-old record, as he made history by setting the record initially at 15 years and 118 days for Stromsgodsets against Aalesunds FK.
Granaas’ record has been shattered by Gabriel Rajkovic, who featured against Sandefjord in March at 15 years and 20 days.
It will be interesting to see whether Arsenal seal Granaas’ signing and whether they view him as a future first-team star.
