Arsenal warned against ‘dangerous’ £30m Odegaard transfer mistake

Arsenal have been urged to resist any temptation to cash in on Martin Odegaard during the summer transfer window, with a former Gunners star warning it would be a ‘dangerous’ mistake.

The Norwegian midfielder has endured a challenging season, making just 13 Premier League starts from 31 games and scoring only one goal across all competitions. Persistent injury issues and a dip in form have seen his influence in Mikel Arteta’s side diminish significantly.

Recent performances from Eberechi Eze and the emergence of academy prospect Max Dowman have led to growing speculation about Odegaard’s long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

Former Arsenal star backs Odegaard

However, former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar believes the club should ignore external criticism and retain their £30m signing from Real Madrid.

“It would be dangerous for Arsenal to sell Martin Odegaard,” Limpar told FruityKing. “The other players rely on him so much. The way he shows for the ball and dictates games, who is he taking the pressure off?”

Limpar highlighted Odegaard’s crucial role in Arsenal’s tactical setup, particularly his ability to take pressure off midfield partners Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

“Declan Rice and that lets Declan Rice do his stuff. He takes the pressure off Martin Zubimendi too,” the former Sweden international explained.

The playmaker’s unique value

The ex-Gunners midfielder emphasized that neither Rice nor Zubimendi possess Odegaard’s creative qualities, describing them as “link players between defence and attack” rather than natural playmakers.

“He is an engine but he is not a player who will make 20 assists with his passing. Zubimendi is not that player either,” Limpar said. “Odegaard is the playmaker. He makes the other players better.”

Since joining Arsenal permanently in 2021, Odegaard has made over 200 appearances for the north London side and established himself as a key figure under Arteta’s management.

The 25-year-old faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, as Arsenal look to end their major trophy drought. Arteta remained cautiously optimistic about his captain’s availability, stating the club would monitor his progress in training over the coming days.

Arsenal’s decision on Odegaard’s future will likely prove crucial as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging for major honors next season.