Arsenal are interested in the transfer of VfL Wolfsburg gem David Odogu. So, here is everything you need to know about the teenager also on Chelsea’s radar in January.
The Gunners and Blues have turned their attentions to the German youth scene as they look to strengthen this month. Odogu is emerging as one of Wolfsburg’s hottest young properties with interest from several English clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea head the Premier League sides.
That is according to the Daily Mail, which reports that Arsenal and Chelsea are now rivalling Brentford and Leicester City for Odogu’s transfer. But Wolfsburg are loath to lose their rising star and intend to offer the defender a professional contract to keep him in the Bundesliga.
Arsenal are interested in David Odogu’s transfer from VfL Wolfsburg
Arsenal, Chelsea et al have taken an interest in Odogu in line with his mature performances for Wolfsburg’s Under-19 side. He is also a firm fixture of Germany’s U17s and helped them to win the World Cup in December. Odogu started in six of their seven fixtures in Indonesia.
Additionally, Florian Plettenberg reports that Odogu is open to leaving Wolfsburg in January amid Chelsea and Leicester’s interest. The Stamford Bridge and King Power Stadium natives have also held initial talks with Die Wolfe amid the youngster’s agents sounding out interest.
Odogu is considering his future at the Volkswagen Arena after first-team coach Niko Kovac overlooked the prospect for their winter training camp. He is ready to take the next step in his career after winning the U17 World Cup. So, here is everything to know about Odogu…
Who is Arsenal transfer target David Odogu?
Arsenal and Chelsea are now showing an interest in a transfer for David Odogu, a promising defender in Wolfsburg’s academy. He has been a member of Die Wolfe’s youth system since 2020. The teenager switched to the Volkswagen Arena side after one season at Union Berlin.
Wolfsburg saw the potential Odogu had to offer after a somewhat nomadic youth career. He first started out at the Berlin-based side, SSC Sudwest, before signing for fellow capital club Hertha 03 Zehlendorf. A move to Union Berlin then rounded out Odogu’s spell in the capital.
Where and when was David Odogu born?
VfL Wolfsburg gem David Odogu was born on June 3, 2006 in the capital of Germany, Berlin. But he has dual-nationality with Nigeria and is eligible to represent the Super Eagles through the defender’s father. Odogu has so far only chosen to play with Germany at the youth level.
What position does David Odogu play?
Coaches have trained David Odogu to play as a centre-back throughout his fledgling career to date. But he can also play in either central defensive position, despite being right footed.
How good is David Odogu?
David Odogu is still a rising talent of the German game but the VfL Wolfsburg prospect is an imposing centre-back. The 17-year-old stands at 6 ft 3, yet he is still a rather pacey prospect who is adept with the ball. Odogu is confident to use his time in possession with solid effect.
His physical strength along with the youngster’s speed and tackling proficiency have also led to comparisons with Antonio Rudiger. The 30-year-old enjoyed five years at Stamford Bridge from 2017 to 2022 before joining Real Madrid. He also won the Champions League in 2021.
Additionally, Sky Germany named Odogu as one of its top five exciting German talents back in January 2023. It also quoted Wolfsburg’s academy director Michael Gentner saying about Odogu back in December 2022: “David has everything a modern central defender needs.
“He has a great overview of the game, an excellent game structure and the kind of winning mentality that we want to live in the academy.”
Gentner’s quotes from December 2022 followed Odogu agreeing to a long-term contract at Wolfsburg. Die Wolfe were eager to lock his future up at the time after captaining their U17 side several times. The centre-half took their U17 armband throughout the 2022/23 season.
David Odogu’s stats at VfL Wolfsburg
David Odogu is still yet to make his senior debut for VfL Wolfsburg but has been a fixture for their academy sides since joining from Union Berlin. The Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target has also offered a goal threat at the junior level from centre-back, as well as being a captain.
Wolfsburg have sparingly awarded Odogu their armband at the U19 level after leading their U17s throughout 2022/23. First-team manager Niko Kovac also named Odogu in one of the club’s senior matchday squads for the first and only time in April 2023 against FSV Mainz 05.
Under-17, VfL Wolfsburg: 34 appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists
Under-19, VfL Wolfsburg: 15 appearances, 1 goal, 2 assists
First-team, VfL Wolfsburg: 0 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists
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