Jamie O’Hara has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to cash in on Martin Odegaard this summer, claiming the Gunners captain delivered a “terrible” display against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Odegaard’s Nightmare Season Gets Worse – TalkSPORT Pundit Says Arsenal Must Move On
The former Tottenham midfielder believes Arsenal are moving away from the 27-year-old playmaker, who has started only 19 matches across the Premier League and Champions League this season due to persistent injury problems.
A nagging knee issue continues to hamper the Norway international, and he lasted less than an hour against Atletico before Arteta substituted him.
“Last season he wasn’t great either,” O’Hara told talkSPORT.
“He’s been terrible this season. Getting dragged off in a Champions League semi-final when you’re the captain is never a good look.”
O’Hara questioned whether Odegaard can remain Arsenal’s captain and suggested Arteta must sign a new creative midfielder.
“I do believe that Arsenal maybe are growing away from Odegaard,” he added. “Maybe they’ve got to look at a player who can come in and be that talisman.”
The pundit also criticised Odegaard’s composure on the ball, referencing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze as an example of a player who struggled when introduced.
“He kept getting caught in possession,” O’Hara said.
“Is he the world star in the number 10 role for Arsenal? I’m not sure. Odegaard needs to up his game and buck his ideas up, otherwise he will fall down the pecking order.
I don’t think he can be the captain anymore.”
Meanwhile, Jason Cundy tipped Declan Rice to inherit the armband if Odegaard leaves.
“He’s never going to catch the eye with step-overs and bending one into the top corner,” Cundy said.
“Defensively, he’s a monster. When he goes forward, he carries the team. I think he will be England’s next captain and Arsenal’s next captain.”
With Odegaard valued at around £30m, Arteta now faces a major decision over his skipper’s future.
