Arsenal are plotting a move to sign an alternative option to Martin Odegaard in the January transfer window after his recent injury layoff.
This is according to well-connected recruitment expert Mick Brown, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners will assess areas of their team that they can strengthen as they look to enhance their bid for the Premier League title.
Odegaard has missed five games since he was sidelined with damaged ankle ligaments following a knock when playing for Norway against Austria earlier this month.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that he would be ruled out “for a while”, with later reports claiming he would miss around eight weeks.
Leandro Trossard has been chosen to fill in during the 25-year-old’s absence, but Arsenal are now targeting a specialist option to come into the team.
However, he is not seen as a long-term backup for their influential captain, and the club are now eyeing a move to strengthen the position when the transfer window opens.
Arsenal eye January transfer deal after Martin Odegaard injury twist
Concerns have also risen about the level of the depth should Declan Rice, William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes suffer any blows in the current season.
“I’m told Arsenal will be looking for another option in January,” former Man United chief scout Brown told Football Insider.
“What happens when you’re a team like Arsenal, who are improving and challenging for the title, the team that you’ve got is not going to be enough to sustain that.
“Odegaard has been injured, but what happens if Declan Rice gets injured? Or one of their centre-backs?
“They will, I’m sure, be looking at all aspects of their team to see the areas they need to improve.
