Martin Odegaard along with his Norway teammates failed to qualify for the European Championships this summer and as a result they have begun pre-season early and will be some of the early returners to their respective clubs. Odegaard has taken things one step further and joined manager Mikel Arteta on a small early training camp in Marbella.
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Speaking to national media from Spain, the Arsenal captain provided a glimpse into life outside of the Euros. It was evident as to his frustration in his answers but also gave something of an insight into what his experience has been like with some of his teammates and manager these past couple weeks.
“The summer has been good,” he said. “Obviously disappointed not to be in the Euros, so it’s been a bit strange to watch the games and all that, but, yeah, I’ve had some more time to relax and disconnect and, yeah, I think I needed that after it was a long season.”
He added: “I think it’s a nice place to come to train and work. You can also disconnect a little bit after training. It’s a nice place to be and a good way to start the season.”
Odegaard will meet some new teammates this summer as and when they arrive. Arsenal are starting to make their moves in the market for players and have welcomed David Raya on a permanent deal already.
One area where many feel the Gunners need reinforcement is in the striker position. Odegaard and other players around a range of number nine selections throughout the season were challenged to chip in with goals as the club recorded its highest Premier League goal tally – beating that of the Invincibles.
Bukayo Saka scored 20, Leandro Trossard, 17, Odegaard, 11, Gabriel Martinelli, 8 and Declan Rice, 7, with more from elsewhere. Kai Havertz would become the main striker by the end of the campaign and ended on a very decent tally of 14 goals.
However it has not stopped fans from calling on the club to sign a new striker. Asked what he thought, Odegaard gave a naturally diplomatic response, very praising of his existing teammates.
