There’s no doubt that Arsenal are missing their captain Martin Odegaard right now, an absence they’ll have to contend with beyond the international break.
Recently there have been conflicting reports regarding how long Arsenal will still be without Odegaard owing to his ankle injury.
Some believe Odegaard will be back in November, whereas others are reporting that his absence could stretch deep into the festive period.
Either way, Mikel Arteta will be confident of finding solutions with the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino entering the first-team frame.
After going away with Spain and gaining a bit more match sharpness, Merino could be primed to deputise for Arsenal’s brilliant Norwegian at least until he’s fit to return.
Martin Odegaard loved watching Mesut Ozil and Cesc Fabregas whilst growing up
That being said, Arsenal have just shared an interview that seemingly took place between Odegaard and Nwaneri back on the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the United States.
The duo, although at different stages of their career, have both endured a lot of pressure as a ‘wonderkid’, expectations that both seem to be coping with remarkably well.
During their chat, both Odegaard and Nwaneri shared who their footballing idols were at a young age.
And although Nwaneri chose one of Arsenal’s rivals, Odegaard named two midfielders who used to light up the Emirates Stadium.
As well as mentioning Mesut Ozil’s name, the Arsenal captain confessed that Cesc Fabregas was his true idol.
Odegaard said: “I think I had a lot of different players, obviously Messi, I think Ozil as well, but if I have to say one I will say Fabregas – I used to watch him a lot.
“I used to watch all of the games when I was younger because my best mate was the biggest Arsenal fan and we always watched it and I think the way he played was just so nice.”
Arsene Wenger never wanted to lose Cesc Fabregas
Although Arsenal eventually reluctantly lost Fabregas in a £35m move to Barcelona, his story rising as a 16-year-old into Arsene Wenger’s side was always an inspirational one.
It’s odd to think that was before Nwaneri’s time, explaining why his own idol is still playing in the Premier League today.
Of course, when remembering how Arsenal lost Fabregas to Barcelona, it’s redeeming to think that’s no longer a challenge that Mikel Arteta’s team should face.
Arsenal are in a much stronger financial position now – partly because of Wenger’s hard work during the move from Highbury.
And also Arteta deserves credit too, he’s built a project that no one wants to leave.
That being said, William Saliba doesn’t want to leave Arsenal for Real Madrid, a decision partly because of Arteta.
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