Bukayo Saka reacts to Martin Odegaard’s ‘special’ message away from Arsenal
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard dispatched a heartfelt message on social media as the off-season comes to an end.
Odegaard endured a challenging campaign with the Gunners last season, struggling to replicate the standout performances that defined his previous years at the club.
His dip in form sparked frustration among sections of the fanbase, with some Arsenal supporters calling for Odegaard to be stripped of the captaincy.
Despite the domestic struggles, Odegaard impressed for Norway in their World Cup qualifiers following the end of the season, showing glimpses of his best once more.
Now, with pre-season training set to begin this week, the midfielder has reflected on his summer break as preparations for the 2025/26 campaign get underway.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard shares summer update before pre-season return
The club captain shared a glimpse into his off-season on Instagram, posting a series of photos from his summer — including images from his wedding and downtime spent with teammate Kai Havertz.
He captioned the post: “A very special summer.”
The post drew plenty of attention from his fellow players, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and William Saliba among those who liked the message.
Next season will be a crucial one for the Norwegian as he looks to rediscover his form in what could be a defining campaign for Arsenal.
Odegaard’s performances last term fell below expectations, with just six goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, with only three of which came in the Premier League.
Ethan Nwaneri has been tipped as a potential long-term successor for Odegaard, but his own future remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract.
Arsenal face Bayern Munich competition in Eberechi Eze pursuit
With Odegaard under pressure to improve, the Gunners are reportedly exploring midfield reinforcements.
Football Insider revealed Arsenal are holding internal discussions about whether to move for Eberechi Eze and trigger his £68 million release clause as part of their accelerated summer recruitment strategy.
However, they may face stiff competition. Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in Eze, especially in light of Jamal Musiala’s recent injury during the Club World Cup and their failed pursuit of Florian Wirtz.
While it remains to be seen if Arsenal will move decisively, Bayern’s involvement could force the Gunners to act sooner than planned.