After leading Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years, Martin Odegaard endured a frustrating 2025-26 season plagued by injuries. Despite the struggles, the Gunners captain recently showcased his quality in pre-season action, completing 55 of 58 passes, all three dribbles attempted, and winning possession nine times — the best among Arsenal players on the pitch.

Odegaard's strong performance came on the back of a successful World Cup campaign with Norway, where he started five of six games and provided four assists. Reflecting on last season, he admitted, "Last year was really a big struggle with a lot of difficult moments. To miss so many games because of injury was really frustrating."

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes for £75m adds further competition to Arsenal's already stacked midfield, which includes Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Martin Zubimendi. Mikel Merino praised the squad's options, calling them "probably the best in football." Odegaard and Guimaraes appeared to gel immediately during their first start together.

Manager Mikel Arteta believes a fully fit Odegaard could be transformative. "If we can maintain him fit, available with the players around him, we're going to see a very different Martin," Arteta said. Odegaard now looks refreshed and ready to prove himself in what promises to be a highly competitive season.