Expert: Arsenal staff concerned about Odegaard after injury latest

21/04/2025 20:00

Arsenal staff have raised concerns behind the scenes about Martin Odegaard’s fitness and recent performance levels at the Emirates.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 26-year-old may be suffering with long-term effects of his recent injury.

A two-month injury layoff with an ankle issue between September and November is believed to have caused him further issues which have contributed to wards his dip in form.

Brown told Football Insider in September that Arsenal want to sign an alternative to Odegaard given their lack of strength in depth behind the midfielder.

They are now set to assess their options again when the transfer window opens as they believe there is still room to improve in their ambitions to win the Premier League.

Arsenal concerned about Martin Odegaard amid Declan Rice claim

Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal want to sign a world-class midfielder to play alongside Declan Rice amid high praise for the England international.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that plans are being put in place to strengthen the team around Rice.

“From what I hear, there are concerns there about Odegaard,” he told Football Insider.

“His performances haven’t been up to his usual standard since he got injured earlier in the year.

“I think that’s something they’re worried about, whether he has fully recovered from that blow or whether he’s suffering from the long-term impact of it.

“When I look at Arsenal, I see Declan Rice and the influence he has on that team.

“You know what you’re getting with Rice, he’s giving you consistent performances, his role in the middle and what he brings to the team is clear.

“There are other players in that Arsenal side, like Odegaard, who go through highs and lows.

“I think Arsenal want to surround Rice with players who can make a real difference week in week out.

“Aside from Saka, they don’t create an abundance chances at the moment, and when they do you never know if they’re going to put them away.

“Saka has to create them and score them, so that’s where the questions about Odegaard come in.

“He’s a very good technical player, but at the moment he isn’t consistent enough and isn’t doing enough to make the difference they’ve been looking for.”

Mikel Arteta makes transfer plans after Partey, Jorginho latest

Odegaard is not the only midfield star causing concerns at the Emirates, as Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave Arsenal at the end of the season.

Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 33, will both be out of contract in June as things stand and no plans have been put in place to extend their deals.

As a result, Arteta is planning to delve into the transfer market and has already identified replacements to slot into the deeper role behind Rice and Odegaard.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider in February that Arsenal want to sign Martin Zubimendi, but face competition from Real Madrid.

For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Expert: Arsenal staff concerned about Odegaard after injury latest appeared first on Football Insider.