Martin Odegaard offers surprise verdict on Arsenal’s summer transfer plans
Martin Odegaard has praised the quality of Arsenal’s current squad (Picture: Getty)
Martin Odegaard hailed the ‘unbelievable quality’ within Arsenal’s squad as he pushed back against the idea that his side needed several additions this summer.
Arsenal pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race last season, with Mikel Arteta’s side falling just short of their first league title in 20 years.
Having confirmed the permanent signing of David Raya, who spent last season on loan from Brentford, the Gunners are now seeking additional reinforcements to strengthen their squad.
The club are keen to secure a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori and are also looking at signing another central midfielder and striker.
However, Odegaard insisted he has not concerned himself with the club’s summer business and believes the current squad has more than enough quality to best City next season.
‘I’m really, really happy with the squad we have,’ the Norwegian said, speaking at Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in Marbella.
‘We have unbelievable quality in the squad, and I think we showed what we’re capable of, especially as I said, in the last part of the season how well we played.
David Raya has already been confirmed as Arsenal’s first summer signing (Picture: Getty)
‘We made history and all those things. So I’m really pleased with the squad, and we have unbelievable qualities, so I’m not too worried about that.
‘I think that’s down to Mikel, down to Edu and the club. I’m really happy with the squad, unbelievable quality and a joy to be a part of this group.’
Not competing at this summer’s European Championship, Odegaard has had time to reflect on Arsenal’s near-miss last season and pinpointed his side’s consistency as the ultimate factor that saw them fall short.
‘We made history and we have to be proud of those things,’ he said. ‘We all felt a bit disappointed with being so close. But in football, it is small margins. We didn’t have the consistency to win it.
‘We have to earn it. We know we can improve, we know we are going to get better. So close but we are going to come back even stronger, I’m sure.
‘It gives us all the motivation we need to come back and win it [Premier League next season], that’s the big goal.’
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