Bukayo Saka and David Raya respond as Erling Haaland footage drops
Bukayo Saka joined both Arsenal and Manchester City players in responding to Martin Odegaard’s post with Erling Haaland, as the pair linked up for international duty with Norway.
Odegaard endured a turbulent season with Arsenal, where a mix of injuries and dips in form affected his consistency. Despite remaining a key figure for Mikel Arteta, some sections of the fanbase began to question his leadership.
Following Arsenal’s defeat to PSG in the Champions League final, there were even calls from Arsenal supporters to strip Odegaard of the captaincy.
Arsenal ended the campaign without silverware and finished as third runners-up in the Premier League for a third consecutive season, piling more pressure on key players like their captain to deliver when the new season begins.
But for now, the focus has shifted away from the Emirates as club football pauses for the international break.
Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland combine as Norway cruise past Italy
Odegaard shared an image on Instagram with Manchester City star Haaland following Norway’s emphatic 3-0 win over Italy in their latest World Cup qualifier.
The post drew plenty of attention, with Arsenal’s Saka and David Raya both liking it, while Haaland himself commented with a sunglasses emoji. City teammates John Stones and Nathan Ake also showed their support by liking the post.
Odegaard, who captained the side, assisted Haaland’s goal as Norway maintained their perfect start in Group I, having won all three of their opening matches.
Norway haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 1998, but with talents like Haaland, Odegaard, Oscar Bobb, and Antonio Nusa, there’s growing belief that this could be the team to end that drought.
| Match statistics. | Norway | Italy |
| Possession | 37% | 63% |
| Shots | 8 | 6 |
| Shots on target | 37% | 63% |
| Fouls | 11 | 10 |
Arsenal urged to consider Jack Grealish amid Odegaard dip in form
With Odegaard coming under scrutiny for his inconsistent form at club level this season, calls have emerged for Arsenal to bolster their midfield options.
Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has publicly urged Arsenal to target Jack Grealish, suggesting the England international could provide much-needed competition whilst speaking on talkSPORT.
Football Insider revealed Manchester City are open to letting Grealish leave this summer, with both permanent transfers and loan offers being considered. The winger fell out of favour under Pep Guardiola and was regularly omitted from the starting XI, with just seven league starts.
Whether a switch to a former title rival like Arsenal is a realistic option remains to be seen, but the possibility is gaining traction.