Martin Odegaard was left out of the Arsenal starting team for the match against Leeds United yesterday, a decision that surprised many observers. The midfielder has been a regular presence under Mikel Arteta, and his omission immediately prompted debate about his current standing within the squad.
There have been occasional calls for Odegaard to be dropped, particularly during periods when Arsenal have struggled for consistency. However, Arteta has consistently shown faith in his captain, continuing to select him even when performances across the team have dipped. The club’s continued trust is reflected in Odegaard’s long-standing role as captain, an honour Arsenal believe he has earned through his contributions and leadership.
Competition and recent developments
Odegaard has not been a poor performer for the Gunners and has remained an important member of the squad. His absence against Leeds coincided with the return of Kai Havertz from injury, with the German starting ahead of him. That selection choice has fuelled speculation, especially as Arsenal went on to perform well without their captain in the starting line-up.
The decision has also led to discussion about Odegaard’s future, with suggestions emerging that his role may be diminishing. When a player of his profile is left out unexpectedly, questions naturally arise about long-term plans and whether changes could be forthcoming during the next transfer window.
Transfer speculation emerges
According to Fichajes, Odegaard could be a candidate to return to Real Madrid after allegedly losing relevance at Arsenal. The report suggests that he may leave the Emirates in the summer regardless of whether Arsenal secure the Premier League title. A move back to Madrid is presented as a possible option, particularly given his previous connection to the Spanish club.
Arsenal originally signed Odegaard from Real Madrid, and a return could appeal to the midfielder as an opportunity to prove himself again, with unfinished business remaining there. From Arsenal’s perspective, the club would not want to lose a player of his quality lightly. However, if the team continues to perform strongly without him, they may be open to a sale should a suitable fee be offered.
For now, the situation remains speculative, but Odegaard’s omission has undeniably added intrigue to discussions about his future at the club.
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Ondegaard is not a good player or captain profile. Rice is. Arsenal needs a proper leader and Ondegaard slows the pace of the game. Lastly he is always hesitating to shoot even if there’s space. Poor decision making. His passes always miss the target. Poor player. Sale him Arsenal
Odegaard is very good when he is good and very poor when he is poor. I don’t know how to react to this news tbh.
I think I prefer him to stay but stripped of captaincy for the title run in.
GIVE DECLAN RICE THE ARMBAND NOW
The 2 players in (from injury), 2 players out curse continues.
Hopefully Saka returns soon and Havertz steps up in Merino’s absence
Another misleading headline. Ødegaard is not ‘linked with transfer’, but as the article points just ‘discussion & speculation.’
The only way odegard can improve is by continuing benching him and to come as a substitute
We appreciate the effort Odegaard has made in the past,however what we want is results.D Captain title should be passed to Rice or Gabriel they lead with so much example never slowing the team or pace..Lastly Odegaard could come off as substitute if the need arises..
How true the article is, I cannot say. But if true, then I say to him close the door on you’re way out. He’s hardly putting in top level performances is he, and this has been the case for a long while now.
So for me personally, I wouldn’t lose any sleep if this article has any truth to it. In fact I’ll even help him pack his bags. 😂
Come on DEREK, that’s harsh. Ødegaard has been our major source of creativity, at least, up until last season. His level has dropped which is not strange considering it happens to others (Saka) but I don’t hear anyone saying they should leave & close the door on their way out.
KKlin,
While I’ll acknowledge that I may have been a bit harsh regarding the shutting the door and packing his bags jibe.
I stand by my stance concerning his less than convincing performances. You say he’s been our major source of creativity, you’ve got to be kidding me right. Apart from the odd good ball, which to be fair the third and fourth goals on Saturday came from good passes. His overall creativity has never reached the levels of the 2022/2023 season.
A season that he scored 15 goals in, he hasn’t even got a combined total of 15 goals in the three seasons that followed.
And I keep hearing that he’s our most creative player, well if that’s the case it doesn’t say much about the other players does it.
While I always say he’s a good player, that’s all he is, nothing more or nothing less.
And as for him being club Captain, not for me I’m afraid.
He has been an ok player ever since he signed for Arsenal.Nothing special,really.
He is replaceable. Good but not great. And slows our play.
I don’t know if anyone else has noticed, but he seems to be most effective when he plays deep, unlocking defenses on the break with a killer pass. I know that’s not how we normally play, but when the opportunity presents himself, he seems to thrive off it.
Yes I do agree though, when we have the ball in the final third, he does tend to slow the game down a bit.
You don’t sell a good player because he is gone bad, you sell if you can get a upgrade
Exactly mate 👍
I keep wondering how Saka would be in central attacking zones. I think he might be an upgrade.
Whether or not he’s Captain may not be a big issue for the harmony in our team. The rest of the team members (Rice and Gabriel included) know how to compensate for limitations of fellows to some extent …..
His role is best for a consistent mid-field bully and playmaker with unpredictable distribution of forward passes etc, etc …… wish he could raise his bar these things in addition to his flashes of brilliant creativity.
He’s a lovely person by the way. Trouble is, results need more than just this.
My view for what it’s worth, is why upset the apple cart? The rotation is swimming along now that fitness isn’t blighted
Odegaard is a decent player. But he is a player like any other. There are so many reasons why he may have been dropped tactics, fitness or just the need to rotate and keep people fresh for coming deluge of games. Really don’t get why that should fuel talk of departure. Or some of the harsh comments I see here.
I wholeheartedly agree. He’s a fantastic player who needs support from the fans. His contribution against Leeds was great (pass to Martinelli who crossed it to Gyokeres).
How does one speculate on transfers after only one game.The player could be rested,could have a slight injury, could be part of rotation.There are recently emerged speculations about rifts between Martin and Mikel,both committed Gunners.Ultimately it’s the team that supercedes both their personal egos.