Is Mikel Arteta finding an upgrade for Martin Odegaard as Arsenal eye Morgan Gibbs-White? | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard had an underwhelming individual campaign last term, with the Norwegian failing to influence games as he normally would, and it appears Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is eyeing a summer move for another player in his position.

The Emirates Stadium club hold an interest in signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, according to The Athletic, and while the 25-year-old is not expected to take the place of Odegaard in the Arsenal starting XI, Arteta could do with a fierce competitor for his skipper going forward.

The Norway international midfielder was far from effective last season as his key metrics dipped, with some at an all-time low for the Gunners, and Arteta could be ready to put sentiment aside as he chases the Premier League title again next term.

Odegaard could still recover his old form as the ankle injury he suffered at the start of last season and a longer-than-usual illness over the festive period put him out of rhythm, but what if he does not?

He ended the season with three Premier League goals and eight assists, and while his return of eight goals and 11 assists in 35 league games in 2023-24 is impressive, can he recover his form from 2022-23 when he weighed in with 15 league goals and seven assists?

Gibbs-White does not boast similar numbers, but the ‘impossible to dispossess’ England international has been consistent and improving over the last three seasons.

He ended 2022-23 with five league goals and eight assists, 2023-24 with five league goals and ten assists and was involved in seven league goals and ten assists last term.

Chances are he would do better in a better team and Arsenal could be looking to take the punt on him.

They could do with an upgrade on Arteta right now and could Gibbs-White be the answer?

Manchester City reportedly have him on their radar as they look to replace Kevin De Bruyne, and the Gunners are now looking at him as they look to add another creative midfielder to their squad.

Odegaard remains a key player for Arsenal and everyone hopes he gets back to form next term and going forward, but Arteta has titles to win and could be ready to bring in someone capable of giving him the run for his money as long as it gets the Gunners major trophies regularly.