This season, Martin Ødegaard has had to endure criticism at Arsenal, but in mid-February, English Goal still places the Norwegian captain right up there on the list of the best Premier League players. The challenge is that the expectations Ødegaard has created in recent seasons are almost impossible to meet. Unlike last season, the Arsenal squad is also not as dependent on having their Norwegian captain on the pitch. This has led to reports, both from England and Spain, that something could be going on with Martin Ødegaard for the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have been gearing up for pre-season titles, in the summer transfer window the Gunners need to compensate with more player sales to secure the necessary income and “balance the accounts”. One of the players who is highlighted in the event of a potential sale is our national team captain. This is a process that is being followed extra closely in Madrid.
Then we are talking about the Atletico part of Madrid. The midfield is an area Atletico are planning to strengthen, according to Caughtoffside’s sources , Atletico Madrid are keeping an eye on the Arsenal captain’s situation at Arsenal. This is supported by several Spanish media. Ødegaard is seen as an ideal creative force who knows the Spanish league well from before.
Spanish media have previously highlighted Ødegaard as the “brain” and Sørloth as the “finisher” on the Norwegian national team. Mundo Deportivo has described Sørloth as “el Sicario” (the assassin) for his efficiency in front of goal, often assisted by Ødegaard’s precision balls in the national team. After Norway’s 5-0 win against Moldova in March 2025, where Ødegaard had an assist for Sørloth, the Spanish press wrote about how the two complement each other perfectly. Sørloth himself has stated to media quoted in Spain that it is “fantastic” to play with Ødegaard on the right.
Now there is speculation in the Spanish media that Atlético Madrid’s interest in Ødegaard is partly due to the desire to recreate the Norwegian chemistry at club level.
If there is an exit from Arsenal on Ødegaard, we are more than happy to take a few seasons with the goal machine Sørloth at the top, fed by Ødegaard’s brilliant passes. We understand why this scenario engages Spanish journalists.
