Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has suggested that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard should contemplate his future at the club, citing a perceived decline in the midfielder’s influence this season.
Leboeuf’s comments, made during an appearance on ESPN, directly address the Norwegian international’s recent struggles. Odegaard has endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign, hampered by persistent fitness issues that have seen him miss 15 matches across all competitions. In the 27 Premier League games he has featured in, the 25-year-old has contributed one goal and seven assists, figures significantly down from his commanding 2022-23 season where he was pivotal to Arsenal’s title challenge.
Speaking alongside former Liverpool player Steve Nicol, Leboeuf expressed agreement with the notion that a departure might be necessary. “I have always liked Martin Odegaard and the way he plays because he is very elegant, but he is not influential anymore,” Leboeuf stated. He linked a potential move to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, noting, “He is going to help [Viktor] Gyokeres too.” This reference suggests Leboeuf believes Odegaard’s creative passing and vision could benefit a striker in a different system.
The advice places Odegaard at a critical crossroads. As Arsenal’s captain and a former key player, his contract runs until 2028, but his diminished on-field impact this season has sparked debate about his long-term fit in Mikel Arteta’s evolving squad. Leboeuf concluded that the midfielder faces a “very good choice, a big choice” regarding his career path this summer.
Odegaard’s situation underscores a broader narrative for Arsenal as they navigate the latter stages of the season. While the team remains in contention for major honours, the form and availability of their captain have been inconsistent. His future decisions will be closely monitored, not only by Arsenal supporters but by clubs across Europe considering a transfer.
The coming months will determine whether Odegaard rediscovers the form that made him a standout in the Premier League or heeds external calls to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere. His choice will significantly impact both his personal legacy and Arsenal’s midfield planning for the future.
