Arsenal face major decision as star player weighs summer exit
Arsenal’s on-field results have positioned them as one of Europe’s most convincing sides this season, but questions are beginning to surface about how stable the squad will remain beyond the current campaign.
One of those questions concerns club captain Martin Odegaard, whose long-term future in north London is now the subject of growing speculation.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Norway international is considering a possible move away from Arsenal this summer in search of a new challenge. The report frames the situation as exploratory rather than advanced, but notes that interest from major European clubs is beginning to take shape.
That uncertainty comes despite Arsenal’s progress across competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side sit clear at the top of the Premier League table, secured passage to the Champions League last 16 with a perfect League Phase record, and remain alive in both domestic cups.
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A central figure in Arteta’s rebuild
Odegaard has been integral to Arsenal’s rise over the past three seasons. After arriving on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, he made the move permanent and quickly became a focal point of Arteta’s tactical system.
The Spaniard has previously described Odegaard as “phenomenal”, and his influence within the squad was formalised in 2022 when he was appointed captain following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
However, Fichajes reports that Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are monitoring the midfielder’s situation closely. While Arsenal would prefer to retain their captain, the report suggests that a significant offer combined with the player’s willingness to consider a move could force discussions.
Performance scrutiny and market value
Any potential deal would come at a considerable cost. Arsenal are said to value Odegaard at a minimum of £80 million, a figure that would represent the highest sale in the club’s history. He remains under contract until 2028, strengthening Arsenal’s negotiating position.
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Even so, Odegaard’s form this season has attracted criticism. A sequence of subdued performances has led some supporters to question whether his influence in the final third has diminished compared with previous campaigns.
Those debates have fed into wider discussions about Arsenal’s midfield balance and succession planning, particularly as the club evaluates how to refresh the squad without disrupting its competitive trajectory.
Squad evolution rather than crisis
While Odegaard remains highly regarded internally, there is a growing sense that Arsenal may soon face a natural transition in key areas of the squad. The club have been linked with creative midfield options elsewhere in the market, and younger players are being developed with long-term roles in mind.
In that context, a high-value departure if driven by mutual consent rather than necessity could be viewed as part of a controlled evolution rather than a setback.
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For now, Arsenal’s focus remains on silverware. But as the season progresses, decisions taken behind the scenes may shape the club’s next phase just as much as results on the pitch.
Sources: Fichajes
