Brad Friedel gave his take on Sky Sports News (12:33pm, January 26, 2021) on Arsenal reportedly about to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
According to BBC Sport, Arsenal are on the verge of signing Odegaard on loan from Madrid until the end of the season.
The report has claimed that the Gunners hope to compete the move on Tuesday.
Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Friedel believes that the attacking midfielder would be a good signing for Arsenal.
The American also praised the Gunners for keeping faith in manager Mikel Arteta and allowing him to build a team despite the North London club’s struggles this season, unlike Chelsea.
Chelsea parted company with Frank Lampard on Monday, with the team seemingly out of the Premier League title race.
Friedel said about Odegaard on Sky Sports News (12:33pm, January 26, 2021): “I don’t know if I would worry, but it might put a little seed of doubt. There’s so many people out there that have spoken so highly of him, and there’s obviously something Mikel Arteta sees in him.
“I personally like the signing. I think it’s a step in the right direction for Arsenal. I also just like the fact that it seems that unlike what Chelsea did with Frank Lampard, it looks like they are allowing Mikel Arteta to build. It’s going to take them a little bit of time.”
Positive for Arsenal
Arsenal know that they are in a transition phase, and the objective for them this season is to finish in the top four of the Premier League.
Odegaard will make Arteta’s squad better and stronger and will give the Spaniard another option alongside Emile Smith Rowe in attacking midfield.
Chelsea signed the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in the summer of 2020 and are expected to at least challenge for the Premier League title, which is why the Blues decided to part company with Lampard.
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