Martin Odegaard's performance levels have reportedly concerned staff at Arsenal, with the club believed to be assessing their options ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners' season has been mixed, as while the club are in the semi-finals of the Champions League, they trail first-placed Liverpool in the Premier League by 13 points.
Mikel Arteta will be immensely disappointed by his side's domestic campaign given they look destined to finish second for a third consecutive season and have failed to capitalise on Manchester City's collapse.
The club have had to deal with numerous injury issues, including to midfielder and captain Odegaard, who was sidelined for two months with an ankle ankle issue between September and November.
Football Insider claim that staff at the Emirates believe that his injury last year has contributed to his mixed showings, and they also report that the club could look for an alternative in the upcoming transfer market.
© Imago
Why has Odegaard struggled in the league?
At his best Odegaard is capable of impacting all phases of play, helping to bring the ball out from the back before creating chances in the forward line.
The Norwegian scored eight goals and produced 10 assists in the Premier League last season, but he has only scored two and registered five assists so far this term.
In the Premier League, Odegaard averaged 0.23 goals and 0.29 assist per 90 in 2023-24, but he has averaged 0.09 and 0.23 per 90 in the top flight this season.
His lack of productivity in the final third has impacted the Gunners' ability to break down opposition blocks, with the Londoners' return of 51.8 xG bettered by six sides in the league.
Perhaps Odegaard's performances can be excused by the fact he has not been able to play alongside talisman Bukayo Saka for large periods due to the winger suffering a serious hamstring injury in December.
It should also be noted that Arsenal have had to utilise natural midfielder Mikel Merino in the forward line, and Arteta has had to field a makeshift XI in a number of games this season.
However, bringing in competition in midfield could help to elevate Odegaard's displays, and could also provide added depth, which would help Arteta better navigate a future injury crisis.
Lewis Nolan
