At a Glance:
- One of Mikel Arteta’s key men faces a battle to preserve his Arsenal legacy.
- Arsenal still have the chance to win either the Premier League or the Champions League.
- The Gunners have set their sights on signing a player in his position.
If Arsenal fail to win either the Premier League or the Champions League this season, widespread doubts will start to emerge about whether Mikel Arteta can lead the club back to their glory days.
Despite Arteta’s brave approach against Manchester City, the Gunners lost 2-1 as their hopes of becoming the champions of England were dented by Pep Guardiola’s men.
However, Martin Odegaard and Co must still remain optimistic as Arsenal remain three points clear at the top of the league table despite City having a game in hand.
Raphinha backed Arsenal to beat Atletico Madrid and if they prove the Barcelona goalscorer right, the English giants will reach the Champions League final.
Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal legacy could be set in stone this season
One man who will desperate to lift silverware this campaign is Odegaard, having captained Arsenal since 2022.
The Norwegian was the fulcrum of Mikel Arteta’s side in back-to-back seasons in the 2022/2023 and the 2023/2024 campaigns. But since then, injuries and a decline in form have majorly affected his impact.
Odegaard remains a brilliant leader but at the end of the day, legendary skippers in particular are heralded for their impact on the pitch. This season, the £30 million (Sky Sports) man’s tally of just one goal and seven assists in 19 starts does not make for particularly impressive reading.
| Martin Odegaard: 2025/2026 season | Stats in all competitions |
| Starts | 19 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 7 |
Considering this campaign has served Arsenal their best-possible chance in years to emerge triumphant in either the league or in Europe, it is high-time Odegaard returns to his best.
With Declan Rice’s leadership having been questioned and the North Londoners lacking match-winners in recent weeks, the 27-year-old could still have a transformative impact on their season. If Odegaard fails to, perhaps Arsenal fans may even suggest that the club move on from him.
The former Real Madrid technician’s stock has plummeted in recent years and if he is unable to lead his side to glory, perhaps Arsenal may be best-placed to replace him in the summer.
- READ MORE: Arsenal could sign their very own Rayan Cherki if they pull off transfer heist of the summer
Arsenal eyeing Martin Odegaard alternative
Last summer, Eberechi Eze returned to his boyhood club and he plays in the same position as the Drammen-born attacking midfielder.
With Arsenal eyeing Morgan Rogers in the summer transfer window now, perhaps their plan is to either offload Odegaard or phase him out.
Having returned from injury against Manchester City, Odegaard has the chance to remind the world that he is well and truly a special player.
Otherwise, he will not be remembered in the same vein as legendary Arsenal captains of the past such as Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira, who led the club to silverware while performing at elite standards.
