Don't Miss

Arsenal made deal of the decade by signing Odegaard

By Ritayan Chatterjee on September 18, 2023

Transfer Insider Dean Jones has claimed that Arsenal have made one of the best signings of the last decade by acquiring the service of Martin Odegaard.

After joining Real Madrid back in 2015 as a 16-year-old highly talented boy, the Norwegian struggled to flourish his career at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Having failed to showcase his best for Los Blancos, the youngster went out on loan on several occasions.

He showcased glimpses of his qualities away from Real Madrid but after returning, he remained on the periphery for the Spanish giants. So, after getting frustrated at the Spanish capital due to lack of game-time, Odegaard decided to join Arsenal on a loan deal in January 2021 before Mikel Arteta opted to secure his signature permanently the following summer in a £34m deal.

Upon moving to the Emirates Stadium, the Norwegian has now established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and his recent impressive performances have been rewarded by making him the club captain.

Odegaard’s impact at Arsenal has been excellent as the Gunners have now established themselves as Manchester City’s closest rival to challenge for the Premier League title ahead of Liverpool.

Deal of the decade

Now, speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has heaped praise on Arsenal’s decision to sign Odegaard permanently a couple of years ago and the journalist has claimed this is one of the signings of the last decade.

Jones said:

“I think he[Odegaard] would be one of the best signings of the last decade. It’s been important that Arsenal have been able to give him a home. That’s what Odegaard has been crying out for for years now.

“We’ve heard about this lad since he was a young teenager breaking through, and you’re always like, ‘Okay, so once he makes his breakthrough in men’s football, how good will he be, and where will he end up? Will it be Real Madrid? Which top European club will it be?’

“It was a stuttering start, but Arsenal has proved to be the best place for him, and I think he’s loving it. Arsenal are reaping the rewards of that chance they took on him.”

Odegaard has been impressive for Arsenal in the Premier League in recent times but he isn’t a finished article yet as he is only 24. So, he is expected to develop more and his best years are still to come.

Although it is debatable whether he is the best signing over the last decade, he certainly is one of the best bargains of recent times as acquiring the service of a quality player like him for as little as £34m is certainly a shrewd business.