Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 8 August 2025 13:42, UK

Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s transfer activity this summer has given the Arsenal boss plenty to think about ahead of the new season.

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Supporters finally had their wishes answered in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, signing from Sporting CP on a £73million deal [BBC Sport], which appears to be the final piece of the puzzle at the Emirates.

The expectation is that the Gunners can finally make a proper charge for the Premier League title.

Moves for Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, and Martin Zubimendi have also been completed outfield, but it is one of the Gunners’ leading stars who needs to watch his back next term.

(Credit: Imago)

Martin Odegaard was heavily criticised by Arsenal fans last season, especially after the team were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals by eventual winners PSG.

Despite the 26-year-old notching six goals and 12 assists across all competitions, there was a drop-off in his performances throughout the 2024/25 campaign, something which did not go unnoticed.

With two goals during pre-season clashes against AC Milan, Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Villarreal, both from the penalty spot, he looks to have gotten his mojo back, but there could be a reason for that.

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Throughout these pre-season friendlies, youngster Ethan Nwaneri has been entrusted with the attacking midfield spot, seeing Odegaard dropped to the bench against Newcastle and Villarreal.

(Credit:Imago)

After breaking through to the first team last season, he was given opportunities on the right wing in Bukayo Saka‘s absence, but with the England star back fit again and Madueke signed, the position is stacked.

Few players in the squad can fill Odegaard’s position in the team, but with more goals than the Norwegian in the league, as well as better shooting accuracy, he could be a bigger threat next term.

Odegaard impressively created a chance every 36 minutes, and at 18 years of age, Nwaneri was only 19 minutes behind at creating a chance every 55 minutes on average [FotMob].

The youngster also boasted better defensive attributes in the Premier League, boasting more successful tackles, blocks, clearances, and headed clearances per 90 minutes despite being played on the wing.

Credit: FotMob

In 62 minutes against Villarreal on Wednesday, 6 August, the academy product created one chance, took three shots, attempted nine dribbles – completing the most of anyone – and entered into 15 ground duels [FotMob].

During Odegaard’s full 90-minute display against Tottenham, while he created three chances, he only attempted two dribbles, entered into three ground duels, and took three wild shots, which were blocked [FotMob].

Nwaneri has massively impressed since being given the opportunity to test himself in the centre of the pitch, and if Odegaard was planning to step up his game, this would be the time to do it.

Otherwise, he could find himself sitting on the bench more often while his prodigy runs the midfield.

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