Ranking the 5 most valuable players at Arsenal (October 2021)

#3 Martin Odegaard - €40 million

Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal - Premier League

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard is one of the most exciting and skilful young players in the game at the moment.

He made his debut for Real Madrid almost six years ago, but failed to break into their first team. Earlier this year, Odegaard impressed during a six-month loan stint at Arsenal. That prompted the Gunners to acquire the Norwegian permanently this summer.

Still only 22, Odegaard has impressed with his composure and ability on the ball, especially from set pieces. He has made six goal contributions (three goals and as many assists) in 26 games for Arsenal across competitions.

Arsenal will look to Odegaard for inspiration and creativity in midfield over the rest of the season as they seek to improve on their dismal eighth-place finish last time around.

#2 Thomas Partey - €40 million

Thomas Partey has had a stop-start career at Arsenal.

Thomas Partey transformed into one of the finest defensive midfielders in the world during his time under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. However, the Ghana international has had a stop-start career at Arsenal since arriving for €50 million last year.

Partey has been plagued by injuries, which have limited his time on the pitch. He has managed to play just 38 games in all competitions for Arsenal in almost two years, providing three assists.

The 28-year-old will need to up his game and live up to his lofty price tag if Arsenal hope to finish in the top six after a dismal start to their campaign.

#1 Bukayo Saka - €65 million

Bukayo Saka is one of the most exciting young midfielders in the game at the moment.

The 20-year-old has already racked up almost a century of appearances for Arsenal across competitions, scoring 13 goals and assisting 22. Saka had a breakthrough campaign last season, bagging seven goals and nine assists in all competitions.

His displays earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2020, where he was instrumental in England reaching the final.

Saka will look to continue his development this season and evolve into a world-class player.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram