Paul Merson says £30m Arsenal ace ‘starting to look like’ the player he was meant to be

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Paul Merson has stated that Martin Odegaard is ‘starting to look like a decent player’ for Arsenal, as he told Sky Sports.

The Norway international initially joined Arsenal last January when he joined from Real Madrid on a loan deal that has no option-to-buy clause.

It was a mixed bag from Odegaard during his six months, who scored in the north London derby and showcased why he was so highly-rated as a kid.

But he didn’t really prove to be of a higher standing than someone like Emile Smith Rowe.

Whilst the Gunners didn’t snap him up straight away, they eventually paid Real Madrid £30 million for his talents in the summer (Sky Sports).

During his last five matches for Mikel Arteta, Odegaard has scored on three occasions and he is now keeping Smith Rowe out of the XI.

Merson praised the Norway captain and also spoke about Arsenal’s chances of making the top four.

“Martin Odegaard is starting to look like the decent player he was meant to be when he arrived at Arsenal,” said Merson. “Thomas Partey is starting to play now.

“Arsenal are starting to look decent but, as I say, they are still a bag of Revels, you put your hand in and you’re never sure what you’re going to get!

“Arsenal do deserve credit for being in the mix, as long as they carry on beating the teams beneath them they have a chance.

“If they lose against any of the big three it won’t make a difference because none of the other teams vying for fourth will beat the big three.”

Arsenal have been accused of being flat-track bullies this term, but it’s something that could work in their favour.

Whilst they have struggled against the so-called stronger teams and those they aren’t expected to beat, they are dispatching those they should take points off.

As a result, it has seen Arteta’s men sitting fourth in the Premier League table and heading into Christmas in the Champions League spots.

After losing their first three games of the season, this is quite a stark contrast to where the club is now and where they could be possibly heading.