Martin Odegaard says Arsenal have a ‘special’ young player who he absolutely loves playing with

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal need a big season from their captain Martin Odegaard if they are to end their wait for a major trophy.

Odegaard had a disrupted campaign last time out, picking up an ankle injury early in the season that prevented him from being at his best for the rest of the games.

However, Odegaard has impressed Martin Zubimendi this pre-season and the Norwegian is showing signs that he is nearing a return to his sparkling form from the 2023-24 campaign.

Odegaard has already struck up a relationship with Viktor Gyokeres but it is another Arsenal star that the club captain has been heaping praise onto.

READ MORE: A new Harry Kane could now emerge at Tottenham and it will be Arsenal’s fault

Martin Odegaard sends heartfelt message to Ethan Nwaneri amid new Arsenal contract

Ethan Nwaneri signed a new contract at Arsenal to commit his future to the club and captain Odegaard has sent the youngster a congratulatory message.

Odegaard penned a letter for the Hale End graduate and stated: “Ethan congrats on signing your new contract, it’s a big moment and something I know you’ve been working towards for a long time.

“Being from North London and coming through the academy since you were eight makes this even more meaningful. You’ve grown up with the club and now you’re a part of the first-team dressing room.

“I know it will mean a lot to both you and your family and friends. It is a pleasure to play and share the field with you and you truly have something special.

“Keep working hard, keep enjoying and keep giving it your all every day. We’re all here for whatever you need. Excited to share the next chapter in this club’s history with you.”

There were some concerns that Nwaneri would not sign a new deal at the Gunners over fears that he would not progress into Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans.

However, those fears have now evaporated and the 18-year-old is set to take his opportunity to further impress and develop this campaign.

Ethan Nwaneri and Martin Odegaard will be rivals this season at Arsenal

Healthy competition for places is needed in all successful sides and there is the feeling at Arsenal that Nwaneri will place real pressure on Odegaard for his spot in the number ten position this season.

Arteta sees Nwaneri as a potential striker but the youngster has the versatility and ability to play anywhere across that forward line.

However, he has shone in pre-season in the number ten role and has found success in picking up the ball in pockets of space and driving at defences.

We saw last season that he has excellent ball-striking abilities too, so given any space on the edge of the area he will have no hesitation in having a shot – something Odegaard struggles with.

It will be an intriguing battle between the two this season and one which will become more intense as the games go by.