When Martin Odegaard stepped up to collect the Premier League trophy last month, he did so with a beaming smile. Arsenal finally did it, they were top flight champions for the first time in over two decades.
However, despite being the captain, Odegaard’s contribution last season was not very big.
Due to injuries and form, the Norwegian scored just once all campaign. He looks a shadow of a player who was starting to become one of the best midfielders in Europe under Mikel Arteta’s watch.
As a result, signs of questions regarding his future have begun to emerge. Those questions will loom large as the summer progresses.
Arsenal could sign a £100m replacement for Odegaard
This summer is a big one for the Gunners as they look to build on their title triumph.
Co-owner Josh Kroenke has hinted that it could be another big window in terms of spending while Arteta issued a plea for more exposure after the Champions League final.
Well, how is this ambitious? Arsenal’s ‘dream target’ this summer is said to be Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. However, his favorite move is Barcelona and he prioritizes that before anything else. Anyway, Andrea Berta has been trying to do this for over a year now. Their interest in the player is very real.
It feels like the person is just a dream. Instead, their pursuit of Morgan Rogers sounds like it could end up being very fruitful.
Better than Rogers: Arsenal ready to make formal bid to sign £69m World Cup star
A formal offer could be in the works at Arsenal.
Reports earlier this week revealed that the player is desperate to leave and has told Aston Villa officials as much. There will be no problem with personal terms.
As a result, a deal is very much on the cards. Giving the latest on the club’s pursuit of Rogers, Ben Jacobs told the Latte Firm Arsenal podcast: “I expect Arsenal to sign Morgan Rogers. He is Arsenal’s best left-wing target and/or number 10.”
Jacobs continued: “Arsenal is expected to bid and this could go quickly. Aston Villa, even Champions League football, want a big sale to balance their books. When Rogers extended last year, there was an understanding that he might leave this summer for £80m as a starting point. I am still told that the marriage will start at £80m, that does not mean the start, but the number transfer “is the transfer” Aston Villa I think that there are many chances for this agreement to happen.”
Although £80m is considered a starting price, it is widely reported that the Midlands side are hoping to create a bidding war that sees the fee reach £100m.
Why Morgan Rogers is bad news for Martin Odegaard
It has been a while since Odegaard found regular form in an Arsenal shirt.
Back in 2022/23, he was one of the best players in the division. Indeed, no midfielder in the Premier League has scored more than his 15 in that period.
However, since then, it has been a story of the captain’s regression. Arsenal may be champions but Odegaard’s performance levels and fitness have been poor.
In 2025/26, he scored just once all season and started just 16 league games. He was only in the team 25 times. It was a similar story last year when Odegaard started 26 of 38 Premier League games, scoring just three goals.
The puzzling thing about the Norwegian star is that technically, he is still one of the best in the world. Last term, only three players in England’s top flight registered more important passes in 90 minutes.
|
Key passes in 90 – 2025/26 Premier League |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Key passes |
|
1) Bruno Fernandes |
4.02 |
|
2) Ryan Cherki |
3.06 |
|
3) Jeremy Doku |
3.03 |
|
4) Martin Odegaard |
2.63 |
|
5) Bukayo Saka |
2.55 |
The problem is that, in general, Odegaard’s playing has been too deep and it’s no surprise to hear that he might be out.
Speaking on the Latte Firm podcast, the BBC’s Sami Mokbel suggested the Gunners could look to cash in soon, saying: “There were rumors in the summer that Arsenal could be interested in letting Martin Odegaard leave for the right price.”
Well, the arrival of Rogers could speed up that process. Although the Englishman is expected to play on the left, he has been used as a number 10 under Unai Emery.
Compared to Odegaard, the 23-year-old has grown significantly. He has scored 14 goals in previous seasons. Rogers’ running ability, ability to carry the ball and his ability to win a duel are also much more than the current team captain.
|
Odegaard vs Rogers: 2025/26 Premier League |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics (in 90 minutes) |
Odegaard |
Rogers |
|
Non-penalty goals |
0.07 |
0.27 |
|
Shots |
1.45 |
2.30 |
|
An open game that helps |
0.21 |
0.12 |
|
Successful dribbles |
0.59 |
1.15 |
|
Continuous carriers |
1.91 |
2.55 |
|
Continuous passes |
5.12 |
3.64 |
It is important to mention that when it comes to creating goalscoring opportunities, the former Real Madrid player is the best in the team. That is why it will be so difficult to invest.
However, in all other areas, Rogers reigns supreme. The lack of confidence he can give Arteta’s team in attack will change the game. Whether from the left or centre, Arsenal need more mavericks like him.
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