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  • Writer's pictureAdam Perry

Two New Signings

Arsenal have completed the signing of Martin Odegaard for £30 million from Real Madrid on a 5-year-deal.


The 22-year-old Norway captain joins on a 5-year deal following a 6-month loan spell at the end of last season.


Last season Odegaard came in and instantly improved the team, adding creativity and link up play alongside Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, whilst also retaining the ball well in the final third which allowed Arsenal to sustain attacks.


The playmaker made 2.19 key passes (passes that led directly to a shot) per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, the most of any Arsenal player with Willian’s 1.86 per 90 the next highest.


Odegaard was second in the Arsenal squad for completed passes into the 18-yard box (not including set pieces) with 1.88 per 90, only behind Willian with 1.92.


Whilst Smith Rowe has performed well as a number 10, he is a player who is adept at 1 and 2 touch play, carrying the ball, and moving off the ball, whereas Odegaard brings a more traditional style with his vision and creativity through picking out a pass.


We have also seen already that Odegaard can help get the best out of the likes of Calum Chambers and Nicolas Pepe, allowing them to produce the final cross or shot rather than having to create something for themselves.


For the price and based on last season, Odegaard is a great signing for Arsenal.




Arsenal are also set to announce the signing of Aaron Ramsdale today, joining from Sheffield United for £24 million plus a potential £6 million in add-ons contingent on playing time and European Qualification.


The 23-year-old shot stopper joins on a 5-year deal until 2026.


Ramsdale has had a rollercoaster ride the past few years, facing back-to-back relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United respectively but also making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships this past summer.


Rumours of his signing has received backlash on social media, but it is clear Sheffield United, Gareth Southgate and Arsenal have each seen something in him, and it is worth remembering that Ederson was a backup goalkeeper at Benfica at 23, whilst Alisson was a backup at Roma. David Seaman was 23 when he signed for QPR and went on to be an Arsenal and England legend.


Since his injury against Brighton in June 2020, Bernd Leno has not looked the same player, while his aerial weaknesses have only become more apparent. Beyond anything else it is apparent Mikel Arteta wants a ball player in goal to help with build-up play, and Leno is not that player.


Whilst Ramsdale may have to wait to take over the first-choice role this season, it is hard to see Leno staying at the club beyond next summer.


It is a lot of money for a goalkeeper, but the club have gotten a player they have been after all summer so we will see if he is worth the hype and the money in time.




Arsenal got off to a disastrous start in the Premier League last Friday with a 2-0 loss to Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium.


Mikel Arteta’s side were way off the pace, having been rocked by the late absences of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette through Covid-19.


Arsenal were simply outworked and bullied, typified by the two goals.


Brentford’s opener came 22 minutes in as Calum Chambers’ clearance was met by Ethan Pinnock heading the ball to Sergi Canos. The Spaniard cut inside and rifled the ball in at Bernd Leno’s near post as Chambers struggled to scramble out to the ball.


Arsenal put together a promising spell just after half time but struggled to create many clear-cut chances despite having 22 shots on the night.


Brentford then doubled their lead in the 73rd minute as a long throw was allowed to bounce in the box gifting Christian Norgaard an easy header at the back post.


Arsenal struggled to play their game building up from the back, often looking shaky. But what was more concerning was the ease with which Ben White and Pablo Mari were beaten time after time.


Emile Smith Rowe and Albert Sambi Lokonga were the bright sparks on a dismal night whilst Kieran Tierney was able to create 6 chances from left back.


Signings and recoveries from injury and Covid-19 are essential, and at least progress is being made on that front.




Arsenal face Chelsea at 4:30 this Sunday for their first game at Emirates Stadium this season.


Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale will likely not be involved, however Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has a chance of featuring following a negative Covid-19 test.


Chelsea’s £97.5 million signing Romelu Lukaku could make his return for Chelsea, who beat Patrick Viera’s Crystal Palace 3-0 on opening day.


It is hardly a game Arsenal need after their opening day disaster and it is hard to see a different outcome for this game. However, Arsenal are on a 3-game win streak against Chelsea.


Prediction: Arsenal 0 – 2 Chelsea


Adam Perry - 20/08/2021


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