Martin Odegaard could be described as “one of the best signings of the last decade” – Dean Jones

Giving his verdict on why the Arsenal midfielder has proven to be such a success at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta has built a Gunners squad around the maestro and hopes to challenge for titles this season.

It was a mixed start to Odegaard’s career after arriving at the Emirates Stadium. Whilst the Norwegian midfielder was considered an asset to Arteta’s side, the Gunners slumped to a second consecutive eighth-placed finish during his maiden season in north London, having arrived on an initial loan from Real Madrid.

However, in August 2021, Odegaard signed a permanent deal after sporting director Edu Gaspar gambled on his services, arriving for a fee that could rise to £34m, enabling himself to settle down and find a home in the Premier League.

His first full season with the Gunners proved a marked improvement on the previous campaign, as a young side led by Arteta just missed out on sealing a place in the Champions League, finishing fifth, two points behind fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. But that inspired Arsenal to improve again the following season, who challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title last term.

Ultimately, the club’s search for a first top-flight title will extend into its 20th year, but running the eventual treble winners close can be considered a vast improvement. Last season’s second-place finish also secured the capital club’s return to the Champions League as Arteta prepares to welcome the continent’s biggest sides to the Emirates for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

In that time, Odegaard was appointed club captain, replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette as skipper in 2022. The 24-year-old has remained a creative presence in the centre of the park whilst also adapting his role to operate as a proficient tackler and winner of the ball.

Odegaard knows that the next step at Arsenal is to win a league title or European trophy to secure his status amongst the club’s greats. The skipper already has an excellent rapport with the Emirates faithful, given his exceptional attitude and hard-working values, but hopes to earn some winner’s medals for himself soon.