Martin Odegaard scored his first goal from open play this season as a makeshift Arsenal saw off Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Norwegian arrived late in the centre of the box to tap in Leandro Trossard’s deflected cross in stoppage time.
Odegaard admitted he hasn’t scored enough goals this campaign after the match, with the captain and Declan Rice adding just their second and third strikes this term respectively on Wednesday.
With the Gunners missing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus through injury, and with a number of Mikel Arteta’s forwards misfiring, the North Londoners will need more regular goals from midfield.
However, the acquisition of a forward could also alleviate some of Arteta’s team’s goal-scoring issues significantly.
Martin Odegaard sends transfer message to Arsenal board
Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners against Zagreb, in what was a relatively routine performance and victory.
However, the Gunners took their foot off the gas in the second half as the overburdened attacking players fatigued.
The likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard are having to play almost every minute for Arteta due to the shortage of options available to the Spaniard.
Odegaard addressed this shortage in his post-match interview with TNT Sports, seemingly appearing to send a subtle message to the Emirates hierarchy that the squad needs external help.
“I think with the injuries we’ve been a little bit short,” he said.
“But you look at the team [and] we have so much quality. So if we can keep everyone fit then that’s the main thing and we have to focus on the players that are here.
“Today we all did well.”
Ethan Nwaneri returned to action and impressed Arsenal fans with his cameo, which will be a significant boost for Arteta.
However, regardless of the 17-year-old’s talent, the Arsenal boss still has little to pick from in forward areas.
Arsenal are prepare to make a major signing this month, recognising the need to bolster up front, although they’ll only do so if the player in question is a primary target.
Arsenal make contact with RB Leipzig about Benjamin Sesko
On the topic of Arteta and the club’s board addressing the issues in the squad, it appears that they’ve finally initiated a move for a long-term target.
Arsenal have made contact with RB Leipzig over the prospect of signing Benjamin Sesko.
While the Gunners are yet to table an official offer for the Slovenian striker, they have enquired about his availability this month.
The Premier League giants are waiting for Leipzig to name their asking price for the player, and it’s understood that new head of global soccer at Red Bull, Jurgen Klopp, is considering sanctioning the number nine’s departure.
| Sesko vs Havertz Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Sesko | Havertz |
| Appearances | 17 | 19 |
| Goals | 8 | 8 |
| Assists | 2 | 2 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.35 | 2.44 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.34 | 0.46 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 0.53 | 0.82 |
Sesko has netted eight goals and provided two assists in the Bundesliga this season, which is coincidentally the same return as Havertz in the English top flight thus far.
The 21-year-old would provide the German with some respite, and could eventually develop into Arsenal’s long-term striker.
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