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After a drawn-out transfer saga between Arsenal and Real Madrid, it appears the Gunners have finally got their man. Martin Odegaard was the subject of detailed discussions between the two clubs, it is now being reported that a deal for the player has finally been completed.
Odegaard is no stranger to North London. The Norwegian midfielder was signed on loan by the Gunners in January. He was quite impressive during his spell with Arsenal and added creativity to the Gunners' lacklustre midfield.
Another player Arsenal have been heavily linked with is James Maddison from Leicester City. An excellent midfielder, Maddison was touted by some as the answer to Arsenal's lack of goals from midfield.
While there is no doubt that Maddison is indeed a brilliant player, let's take a look at 5 reasons why Arsenal were right to sign Martin Odegaard instead of James Maddison.
#5. Odegaard is familiar with Arsenal's system
Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January. In his half-season stint with the Gunners, Odegaard made 20 appearances in all competitions.
An intelligent midfielder, Odegaard was deployed by Arteta in different midfield positions. Odegaard was impressive throughout, grabbing two goals and the same number of assists during his 20 appearances for the Gunners.
Odegaard displayed excellent adaptability, understanding Arteta's system and fitting the bill almost immediately. A left-footed midfielder, Odegaard often played intricate passes through the middle of the park to find attackers, something Arsenal have lacked in recent seasons.
Odegaard is also adept at chasing the ball and perfectly matches Arsenal's requirements for a crafty midfielder who can press off the ball and maximize transitions on the ball.
#4. Odegaard is young and has great potential
Martin Odegaard is still only 22 years old. Having made his professional debut at the tender age of 16, Odegaard brings six years of experience from his stints in Spain and the Netherlands.
Labeled a prodigy, Odegaard was touted as one of the great midfielders of his generation. There is no doubt that the 22-year-old has immense potential and all the makings of a world-class footballer.
Odegaard adapted to the Premier League quite well. He featured in almost all of Arsenal's games during his spell with the club. Although his output wasn't extraordinary, he embodied the free-flowing style of football that Arteta aims to achieve.
Still very much at the beginning of his career, Odegaard is certainly one for the future. With Arsenal's reputation for honing young talent, Odegaard has a bright future ahead of him.
#3. Odegaard is a bonafide attacking threat
Martin Odegaard brings some much-needed attacking prowess to the Emirates.
Arsenal have, of late, been guilty of playing a boring brand of football. Their style of play is often limited to excessive side-passing, followed by hopeful crosses from the wings. While this has worked in the past, Arsenal are clearly in need of a Mesut Ozil-type figure in midfield.
With the recent departure of Joe Willock, Arsenal seem to have only one creative attacker in Emile Smith Rowe. While there is some creativity on the wings from the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney, the Gunners' midfield seriously lacks a creative presence.
Odegaard's stats speak for themselves. He was in the top two for xT (expected threat) during his loan spell with the Gunners. The Norwegian also averaged 2.1 key passes per 90 in the Premier League.
Although he doesn't have too many goals or assists to his name, Odegaard is always involved in the build-up play and certainly has an eye for a decisive pass.
#2. Odegaard was always Plan A
Since the start of the transfer window, Arsenal have been linked with a host of attacking midfielders.
While it was well-known that Arsenal were in the market for a creative player, Mikel Arteta's priority was always Martin Odegaard. Odegaard was up to the task during his spell with the Gunners, convincing Arteta that he was exactly what the Gunners needed.
Mikel Arteta has been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism this season. Odegaard's move will provide a sense of assurance to Arsenal fans worldwide, considering they have managed to get a long-awaited deal done.
#1. Odegaard boasts an international pedigree
Martin Odegaard made his debut for the Norwegian national team in 2015. In doing so, Odegaard became the youngest player in Norwegian history to feature for the national football team. He was just 15 years and 253 days old at the time. Odegaard has since made 30 appearances for the national side.
In March of 2021, Odegaard was named captain of the international side. The Norwegian football team has its fair share of big names, including the likes of Alexander Sorloth, Jens Peter Hauge and world-class attacker Erling Haaland.
Being appointed captain of the national side at the age of 22 is no small accomplished and it only goes to show the level of conviction Odegaard shows when he plays. His leadership and creativity will be an asset for the Gunners in midfield.
While it remains to be seen how big a success Odegaard will be, there is no doubt Arsenal have made a fantastic signing for a good price.
