Martin Odegaard has already told Mikel Arteta why he cannot sell ‘top top’ Arsenal star

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Arsenal have been busy clearing out their squad at the start of the transfer window.

Arsenal released 20 players earlier this week that included the expected departures of Kieran Tierney and Jorginho.

A number of Hale End stars left the club, including Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, whilst Raheem Sterling thanked Arsenal for his time in North London before returning to Chelsea.

Arsenal confirmed the sale of Nuno Tavares to Lazio in Andrea Berta’s first official piece of business at the club but captain Martin Odegaard has already explained to Mikel Arteta why another first-team star cannot follow Tavares out the door.

READ MORE: Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman will be fuming over latest £38m Arsenal transfer move

Martin Odegaard called Gabriel Martinelli ‘one for the future’

Speaking to Premier League Uncut back in 2021, Odegaard described teammate Gabriel Martinelli as ‘one for the future’ after impressing the Norwegian during his initial loan spell.

Odegaard stated: “He’s [Martinelli] such a big talent, you see him in training every day and you see it. He’s a really talented player with a lot of qualities, so I think definitely he’s one for the future.

“He will reach his goals because, from what I see every day in training, he’s a top, top talent. For him it’s just about continuing doing his work and then everything will come for him.”

Martinelli is subject to interest from Barcelona and although he hasn’t hit the heights in his last two seasons, Odegaard’s words will still echo around Arteta’s head as he decides on the Brazilian’s future this summer.

Arsenal must resist temptation to sell Gabriel Martinelli

Leandro Trossard’s contract extension could be an indication that Martinelli will be sacrificed by the club this summer in order to allow a new winger to come in.

A new winger needs to be purchased on top of the options that Arteta has at his disposal, not to replace an outgoing player.

Martinelli has welcomed competition from Rodrygo and should the Gunners sign the Real Madrid star, it may be the spark that Martinelli needs to rediscover his best form.

Arsenal will be hoping that the 23-year-old can repeat his Premier League campaign from the 2022-23 season, where Martinelli scored 15 times to fire the Gunners to within a whisker of winning the title.