UMVA has learned that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is prepared to sanction a shock transfer move, which could see captain Martin Odegaard leave the club.
The Gunners are pressing ahead with a move for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, while they are also considering moves for Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola. However, with a considerable budget to work with, they will have to sell several first-team players to land their main targets.
Players like Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Christian Norgaard are attracting interest from elsewhere, and Odegaard could also be deemed surplus to requirements. The Norway international has been a key player for Arsenal, but a series of injuries has seen his impact wane.
Odegaard's Arsenal revolution took a major step forward when he joined the club, initially on loan from Real Madrid, five years ago. He established himself as a hugely influential character both on and off the pitch, but injuries have started to take their toll.
Eberechi Eze was signed last summer to help inject new life into Arsenal's forward line, and after a slow start, he made a huge impact over the course of the run-in, sharing playmaking duties with Odegaard. With Odegaard now potentially on the market, Arsenal could look to make a substantial profit on the £30million they paid to sign him from Real.
Bayern Munich and PSG have both been tentatively linked with moves for the 27-year-old, and Arsenal legend Merson had doubts over Odegaard's future at the Emirates Stadium. Merson wouldn't be surprised if his former club looked to sell during the summer window, saying it's "madness" to consider selling a player of Odegaard's quality.
Despite this, Merson still thinks there'll be teams queuing round the block for Odegaard, citing the importance of pace in Odegaard's position. With his ability to control the game and create chances, Odegaard is sure to attract interest from top clubs.
