What Arsenal privately think about Martin Odegaard and his future after recent struggles

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is generating attention for the wrong reasons as his poor form this season continues to drag on.

After scoring 15 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, Odegaard’s importance to the Arsenal squad became paramount. 

Mikel Arteta’s captain remains Arsenal’s key creator, but that’s not to say that things have been easy for the Norwegian this season. 

Odegaard has been slammed for his recent form as his presence in attack has been questioned, leading many to call for Arteta to axe the midfielder from the starting XI.

• READ MORE: Martin Odegaard criticism highlighted as dreadful 19-month Arsenal record is matched against PSG

What Arsenal think about Martin Odegaard’s future

During the Gunners’ historic win over Real Madrid, Odegaard was criticised by Arsenal fans, who noticed the gap between the skipper and his teammates.

The midfielder has struggled to perform to his usual level throughout the season, which prompted us to seek the insight of transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

Speaking exclusively to Arsenal Insider, the TBR journalist shared that while Odegaard continues to combat poor form, the Norway international has the full support of his club. 

When asked if Arsenal are worried about Odegaard’s form, Bailey responded with the following.

“In a word, no. They firmly believe Odegaard is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, which he is.”

Bailey continued to insist that Arsenal see no fault in Odegaard’s recent performance level, making it clear that the club are in no way tempted to explore for an alternative playmaker. 

“[There are] no worries about the club and him whatsoever. He has led by example, this terrific season that has seen Arsenal reach the Champions League semi-final and second in the league. 

“From within the club, they’ve got absolutely no issues with Martin Odegaard, a model professional, model player, they absolutely love him and he’s been central to them being one of the strongest teams in Europe, and he’ll be central going forward.”

Odegaard’s subtle decline is a worry

Arsenal aren’t worried about their captain’s dip in form, but outsiders certainly are, as Gary Neville blasted Odegaard for his ‘drop-off’, which unfortunately, is traceable. 

The Norwegian recorded 22 goal contributions in 2022/23, then hit 18 goals and assists last season, only to see his tally drop by 50% this term. 

Odegaard has scored only twice so far this season, a decline from his 23 goals scored over the previous two campaigns.

Given that Arsenal don’t have a designated goalscorer, Arteta needs those in the front line to contribute to the goals, something that right now, Odegaard is not doing.

Fans certainly want to see more from their captain, but for the player, time is on his side in abundance, as Arsenal see no problem with the 26-year-old’s form.