Arsenal face a huge few transfer windows ahead of them, which could decide their ability to compete at the top of the Premier League on a consistent basis.
The Gunners have struggled so far this season, with Mikel Arteta unable to find a way to break down opposition teams on a consistent basis to earn points.
While set-pieces have been useful for Arsenal, the reality is that they need to create much more from open play.
Plenty of that burden has fallen on Martin Odegaard, with the Arsenal club captain struggling to have the same impact on a consistent basis in front of goal.
There were injury concerns for the playmaker early in the campaign and while there were moments he has shown his magic, that has faded in the last few games.
With questions over Odegaard, the latest transfer links may put questions over his place as the main creator in the team.
Florian Wirtz contract decision amid Arsenal transfer links
Florian Wirtz is a transfer target for Arsenal, with the Bayer Leverkusen star continuing to shine in the Bundesliga.
As the German international nears the final two years of his contract, there has been plenty of suggestion that a move could be on the cards.
Bayern Munich have naturally been linked, alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid in recent months.
His impressive performances have drawn some big names, but it has also put a huge price tag and contract on the table.
According to Kicker, it would cost €150million (£124.4million) to land Wirtz in the months ahead as well as a huge salary.
The report suggests that Bayer Leverkusen are ready to table a new offer to the attacking midfielder and could match his demands.
The decision on his future is not directly tied to the future of Xabi Alonso either, with the manager having been rumoured with plenty of opportunities to join other teams.
With such a huge price tag, it seems an unlikely deal anyway, but a new contract would almost seal his fate for the years ahead.
Florian Wirtz and Martin Odegaard stats compared
Should Wirtz somehow join Arsenal, he would likely take Odegaard’s position in the team, potentially pushing the club captain deeper in the midfield for the build-up phases.
The raw stats paint an interesting picture of their ability and output since the pair made their way onto the big stage.
| Player | Florian Wirtz | Martin Odegaard |
| Matches | 123 | 131 |
| Goals | 31 | 31 |
| Assists | 38 | 25 |
Their output is relatively similar in their domestic leagues, though Wirtz has a few more assists to his name so far.
Whether that move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League would justify such a huge transfer fee and risk remains to be seen though.
Not least with Odegaard’s similar output and status, the Gunners may have to find a different way to unlock their players rather than throwing £124million at a risky deal.
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