Many Arsenal fans have expressed their desire for Declan Rice to take over Martin Ødegaard’s captain’s armband, but so far, even though the Norwegian midfielder does not have the same obvious position, manager Mikel Arteta has refuted all speculation that it is a current issue.
A few days ago, we could read in the Daily Mail that “The Norwegian playmaker has ended up in Mikel Arteta’s oblivion, and his future is unclear”.
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Martin Ødegaard is going through his most demanding period since taking over the captain’s armband for Arsenal. The Norwegian attacking midfielder has seen his importance diminished, and discussions about his future are already running hot in England.
For several seasons, he was Arsenal’s creative beacon. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, he established himself as one of the leaders in the club’s competitive upswing in the Premier League. Now, however, the situation is different. Recent injuries and internal competition have disrupted his place in the first team.
The change in the landscape has raised questions. And what was unthinkable a few months ago may happen this summer.
Martin Ødegaard loses ground at Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal
During the current season, Martin Ødegaard has only started 13 Premier League games. He has also had limited participation in Europe. For a player who was indisputable just two seasons ago, the situation is significant. Mikel Arteta’s full confidence no longer works automatically.
According to ESPN, the emergence of new offensive profiles has changed the distribution of playing time. The coach now has more options in the creative midfield. Eberechi Eze has added verticality. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard maintain stability. Other alternatives have also become increasingly important in the system.
Arsenal are competing on several fronts, and rotation is constant. But the captain no longer enjoys the same status as before.
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The Premier League and the statistical decline
The figures support the feeling of decline. Martin Ødegaard has only scored one goal in the current Premier League season. His 15 goals in the season when Arsenal were fighting for the title is a distant memory.
In the Premier League, performance is measured with surgical precision. And today’s figures are below expectations. Some TV experts have fueled the debate. They believe the Norwegian needs to reflect on whether his role is still central.
The player’s inner circle remains silent. But the loss of prominence is undeniable.
Long contract, but sporting doubts
Martin Ødegaard’s contract runs until 2028. The contractual bond is not the immediate problem. The concern is sporting. If Mikel Arteta definitely opts for a more rotation-based scheme with different profiles, the scenario changes.
Arsenal have strengthened their squad. This wealth of resources strengthens the team, but reduces individual player space. The captain needs continuity to regain confidence and competitive rhythm. Without this, his leadership loses impact.
The competition in the Premier League is fierce. No one is guaranteed a starting place based on the merits of the past. Some former players have suggested that a change of environment could revive his career. This is not a distant hypothesis in today’s football.
Arsenal are not considering letting him go
Arsenal, on the other hand, have not given official signs of a breakup. The priority is still to finish the season with goals achieved. But the summer will be decisive. If Martin Ødegaard does not regain his weight in Mikel Arteta’s plan, the option to consider offers could be activated.
Internationally, there will be no shortage of stakeholders in the market. The Norwegian’s talent is undisputed. The dilemma is clear: either recapture his role at Arsenal, or seek a scenario where he again becomes indisputable.
For now, the question remains open. However, if the trend does not change, Martin Ødegaard could be involved in one of the most unexpected moves in the upcoming summer market in the Premier League.
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