Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has faced a bit of a torrid 2024/25 campaign, having struggled with poor form and injuries.
The playmaker has been an ever-present force in the team since making the permanent move from Real Madrid.
However, with Arsenal struggling to score goals after a third successive season of finishing second in the Premier League, questions have started being raised.
For some, there are doubts over whether Martin Odegaard can return to the very best form that he is capable of.
Those fortunes could turn for the Norwegian international soon, though, with the summer transfer window offering a chance to strengthen those around him.
Martin Odegaard should be delighted as Martin Zubimendi is set to sign for Arsenal
Plenty of Martin Odegaard’s struggles this season can be put down to the positions he finds himself in when it comes to the attacking third.
The Arsenal captain has often dropped deeper than he would’ve liked to help with the build-up play, especially against a low-to-mid-block.
Odegaard is usually dictating the tempo of the match, playing safer passes as a result of him dropping so deep.
Therefore, he may be delighted by the news that Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
While there has been a risk of Real Madrid hijacking the deal, Zubimendi has already signed the paperwork and is booking a medical ahead of his switch.
The Spaniard is set to take up a deeper midfield role for the side, with his primary job to be the person who dictates possession.
That should stop Odegaard from dropping so deep, allowing him to push further up the pitch and influence the game where he needs to.
Once that happens, then perhaps he can get back to the best form that he is capable of.
Mikel Arteta will complete dream Arsenal midfield with Martin Zubimendi arrival
Mikel Arteta is keen to have plenty of different profiles in his team, with it clear that Jorginho was one that he liked in the midfield ranks.
With Jorginho set to leave Arsenal this summer, the profile of that midfield tempo-setter will be missing.
The arrival of Zubimendi fixes that immediately, with a younger age profile and added athleticism helping to build out the central ranks.
A dream midfield three of Zubimendi, Odegaard and Declan Rice is likely to step out onto the pitch at the Emirates Stadium next season, finally solving any problems they may have on the ball.
Add in the depth of having Mikel Merino, along with a possible contract extension for Thomas Partey, and the department looks among the strongest at the club.
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