Martin Odegaard could quit Arsenal as they explore four marquee signings - expert
Martin Odegaard may leave Arsenal this summer after struggling to nail down a place in their starting eleven, a transfer expert told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old has endured a tough 12 months at Arsenal despite their Premier League title win last season.
Injury issues and lack of form restricted him to making just 16 league starts last term, as he registered one goal and six assists in 24 matches overall.
Odegaard has retained the Gunners' captaincy despite his struggles, but whispers around his future have sparked again after the start of the summer window.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Mikel Arteta could sanction a sale for Odegaard this summer.
He has been competing with Eberechi Eze for a place in attacking midfield, and Arsenal have been exploring summer deals for Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White as well deeper midfielders including Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Martin Odegaar facing uncertain future at Arsenal after insider claim
Odegaard's last goal for Arsenal came back in December against Brighton, but he has shown some strong form for Norway recently and even scored in a friendly against Morocco.
He has two years left on his Gunners contract as it stands, and talks over a new deal are yet to take place.
“It's possible (that he could leave). In the early part of last season, the biggest threat that Arsenal had was Odegaard linking up with Saka, and they were doing that very well," Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“I think he realised that he had to get the ball early to Saka before he gets into that final third and then is out of places to go. Then he got injured, went out of the team, and they couldn't find the same link of play.
“I used to think he was getting unfair criticism through being injured, but never mind, it's happened and before it'll happen again.
"So, from what I hear, he could leave Arsenal. It would not surprise me if he did."
What is the latest on Rogers to Arsenal?
Arsenal have held a long-standing interest in Rogers as he shines for Aston Villa each week.
The England playmaker's arrival at the Emirates Stadium would surely push Odegaard even further down the pecking order for places at number 10, while he can also feature on the left wing.
With interest apparent, sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Arsenal are set to open the bidding for Rogers in the coming weeks.
Villa are set to demand around £150million for his signature, so it remains to be seen whether he makes the move this summer.