Mikel Arteta has made it very clear to Arsenal’s board that he is very much against the sale of Martin Odegaard this summer.
Arsenal have transfer-listed Odegaard this summer as the North London club attempt to raise funds to improve their squad.
Explain your answer: Keep or sell Martin Odegaard?
The 27-year-old had a tricky campaign last season, which was hampered by injuries, although he still played a key role in helping win the Premier League.
The Premier League champions are now facing a big decision over their captain, as he could be an ideal candidate to leave to make way for new additions.
Mikel Arteta is against Arsenal selling Martin Odegaard
Mikel Arteta is against Arsenal selling his captain, Martin Odegaard, and he has made this clear to the hierarchy, according to Matt Verri.
There are some at the North London club who feel they should accept big offers for the Nowegen international this summer.
But right now, the sale of Odegaard, who is valued at £54 million, would take a lot of persuading for Arteta, as he remains a huge fan of his captain.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Verri said: “I think there’s some at the club in terms of in the hierarchy who would consider big offers for Odegaard.
“I think it would take quite a lot to persuade Arteta to accept that. He loves Odegaard. He has him as his captain.
“There was obviously some talk this season about whether Rice should replace him. Arteta’s always been so forceful that Odegaard is his captain, that he’s his man.”
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With Morgan Rogers expected to join Arsenal, the Gunners will be well stocked with number ten options, as Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman can also play there.
Suddenly, Odegaard could become surplus to requirements, although Arteta certainly does not feel that way about the former Real Madrid star.
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At the World Cup, Odegaard produced a brilliant performance against Senegal, as his team booked their spot in the Round of 32.
If Odegaard can have a great World Cup, then his stock could once again rise, and it might not be the worst idea to cash in on him for a big fee.
Getting additional funds from the sale of a player like Odegaard could give Arsenal room to move for players like Julian Alvarez.
Alvarez is set to cost over £130 million; therefore, financing a deal for the Argentine striker will not be easy for the Gunners without moving other players on.
Arsenal have been told Alvarez is open to the move, but first, he wants to see if his dream of transferring to Barcelona will be possible.
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