Arsenal are having a busy week as the January window nears closure. After struggling to settle some deals over the summer. Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar are running at full throttle to make some major changes. Arsenal have already seen some big outgoings and incomings. But we are likely to see more ahead of deadline day as Arsenal are closing in on Odegaard.
Mesut Ozil’s exit was major transfer news from the Emirates Stadium. The playmaker was hardly seen on the pitch these last few months. Arsenal were keen to offload Ozil to relieve themselves from his humongous wages. Ozil had a hefty £350,000 per week wage bill. Last week Mesut Ozil terminated his contract with the Gunners. Following which he joined Turkish outfit Fenerbahçe S.K.
Mikel Arteta was also able to sign goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Brighton. Ryan will play for Arsenal on a season-long loan. This adds friendly competition for first-choice keeper Bernd Leno. Arteta was also keen to sign a playmaker to backup Emile Smith Rowe. Hence, Edu Gaspar was on the hunt for ideal recruits.
According to reports Arsenal are ready to seal a loan deal for Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian was hoping to secure more game-time at Real Madrid after his impressive loan-spell at Real Sociedad. However, due to the lack of opportunities Odegaard asked Zinedine Zidane to let him leave this window. Various clubs were keen to sign Odegaard following this.
Arsenal won the race for Odegaard:
The availability of Martin Odegaard has led to interest from all around Europe. Real Sociedad and Ajax were also keen to sign the 22-year-old midfielder in addition to Arsenal. Sociedad were very impressed with Odegaar’s loan-spell. Hence urging them to offer a loan deal again this window. Ajax were also keen to lure in the young ace. However, Mikel Arteta was able to win the race and Odegaard will join the Gunners this week.
The Norwegian is likely to land in England soon for his medicals. Mikel Arteta finds Martin Odegaard to be the perfect replacement for Mesut Ozil. Arsenal hope to see the youngster play at his best for them. The Guardian reports that Arteta is keen to debut Odegaard in the Premier League clash against Manchester United on Saturday.
The addition of Odegaard will provide backup for Emile Smith Rowe. Smith was able to bring huge changes to Arsenal’s game. Mikel Arteta believes Odegaard’s skills will be on par with Emile Smith’s. That enables the Spanish gaffer to rotate between the two playmakers. And resting the duo equally to avoid any injury concerns.
There is no option to buy the player at the end of the loan in the contract. Real Madrid indentify Odegaard as potential for the future, hence are reluctant to lose him. However, Arsenal may think about making a permanent deal if the player impresses Arteta. The Gunners will be paying Odegaard’s salary until the end of the loan deal. Arsenal fans are hyped to see some good changes take place at the Emirates Stadium.
PSG in for a swap deal?
French outfit Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keen to sign Arsenal’s on loan star Matteo Guendouzi. The 21-year-old got into Arteta’s naughty list after his nasty clash with Brighton’s Neal Maupay. Guendouzi soon fell down the Arsenal pecking order. And soon went out on loan to Bundesliga side Hertha BSC. But various French media report that PSG are keen to sign the youngster.
PSG are also ready to offer Julian Draxler in a player-swap deal. Draxler doesn’t seem to be a part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. Julian has missed the last couple of games under the new gaffer. So it looks like he may not be continuing in Paris. The attacking midfielder will be out of contract in the summer. So PSG don’t want to let him go for free. Hence, they are proposing a swap for Matteo Guendouzi.
There have been no updates from Arsenal on their interest in the deal yet. But Mikel Arteta, having already made the decision to sign Martin Odegaard, may not look to sign an additional playmaker. However, Guendouzi is facing a situation similar to that of Mesut Ozil. He is likely to receive a ticket away from Arsenal as well. Hence, the Gunners may demand a player swap with other potential players.
Arsenal look to be running in the right direction after going through some hurdles. Mikel Arteta, with the support of Edu Gaspar, is starting to put more pieces into place to put his plans into effect. Arsenal are still a sturdy competition for a top-four finish. Mikel Arteta is desperate for some Premier League glory after failing to defend the FA Cup title.
