After his return against Chelsea on the weekend, it’s hard to argue that Martin Odegaard isn’t level-pegging with Bukayo Saka as Arsenal’s most important player.
Perhaps William Saliba would be unlucky not to be included as part of a trio, but Arsenal simply can’t perform without Odegaard or Saka.
Of course, Odegaard first arrived in north London on loan from Real Madrid in 2021, making 20 appearances for Arsenal before returning to Spain.
In those appearances the Norwegian managed just two goals and two assists, and many felt as if he slightly underwhelmed at the Emirates Stadium.
On their part, it almost seemed as if Arsenal stalled on making a decision on signing Odegaard permanently, when rumours of interest in Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia emerged.
Arsenal were considering Emiliano Buendia instead of Martin Odegaard
Arsenal’s new director of football at the time, Richard Garlick, was said to want to make Buendia his first signing at the club.
Like many Arsenal fans, I was incredibly keen to see Buendia arrive at the Emirates following a brilliant season for Norwich.
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He looked to have more goal threat than Odegaard and simply appeared better suited to English football at the time given his dynamism.
Of course, Buendia eventually signed for Aston Villa instead for £33m that summer, and Arsenal opted for Odegaard.
And whilst Buendia was excellent for Villa before a serious injury, Odegaard was obviously the right choice for Arsenal.
Arteta also got it spot on with David Raya when fans were doubting his decision, a reminder for Arsenal supporters to ‘trust the process’.
Mikel Arteta will make the right striker call at Arsenal
Of course, the big debate in around a month’s time will be whether Arsenal should sign a new striker to boost their faltering title-hopes.
Micah Richards thinks Arsenal need a new centre-forward as soon as possible, someone to help with the burden that’s currently on Kai Havertz’s shoulders.
To that end, Arsenal are interested in a January loan deal, one that could echo their short-term thinking with Odegaard a few seasons ago.
And whatever Arteta chooses to do, there’s enough evidence to suggest that us fans should simply trust his judgement, after all, he’s taken the club this far.
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