Martin Odegaard has played only 14 minutes in Arsenal F.C.’s last three matches due to injury. To expand further, he has featured for just 59 minutes across Arsenal’s last seven fixtures, which is remarkable.
As the team’s captain, this is when he is needed most; however, physical setbacks have made it difficult for him to take to the pitch and represent the Gunners.
Odegaard had missed so many matches that he could be forgiven for spending his downtime at BetGoodwin casino, where he would have enjoyed himself and staved off any boredom that would have reared its ugly head.
Mikel Arteta’s side has worked hard to secure a strong position in all competitions, and Odegaard delivered several fine performances earlier this season.
He has been one of the team’s standout players in recent campaigns, and the Gunners continue to rely on him whenever he is available.
In recent matches, Eberechi Eze has impressed in the attacking midfield role for Arsenal; however, had Odegaard been available, there is a strong likelihood he would have been selected ahead of Eze.
Across the three consecutive seasons before this one, he registered 25 assists and scored 26 goals in the Premier League alone.
His peak campaign came in 2022/2023, when he made 37 league appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists.
Since that period, Odegaard’s trajectory at Arsenal has been downward for some time, which should be a cause for concern.
During the summer, he was linked with a move away from the club, with several teams reportedly interested in securing his signature.
The Gunners made it clear that he was not available for sale, but is that the correct stance to adopt at the end of this term?
Odegaard’s dip in form, coupled with persistent injury issues, has rendered him unreliable this season. He has recorded only six league goal contributions from 20 appearances, many of which were brief cameos.
Although he is 27, Odegaard appears to be declining, and he is not a player in the mould of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, who have remained effective well into their thirties.
In the near future, the club will need to offer him a new contract before his current deal expires; however, he has not done enough to warrant an extension.
Odegaard’s form and fitness are declining, and it makes little sense for the club to retain an ineffective player, which is why the end of this season may represent the ideal moment to part ways.
This summer could provide Arsenal with the best opportunity to secure a substantial fee for his departure; otherwise, he may see out his contract and leave as a free agent.