Jamie O'Hara has urged Arsenal to consider selling Martin Odegaard in the summer transfer window after his performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this week. The former Tottenham midfielder believes the 27-year-old Norway international has been 'terrible' this season and may no longer be suitable as the club's captain.
Odegaard's Struggles This Season
Odegaard has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, starting just 19 games across the Premier League and Champions League. He was substituted just before the hour mark in the 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final tie. Concerns have been raised in Norway that the midfielder is still hampered by a knee problem, which has forced him to miss a significant portion of Arsenal's season.
O'Hara's Criticism
Speaking on talkSPORT, O'Hara did not hold back in his assessment. 'Last season he wasn't great either. He's been terrible this season, getting dragged in the Champions League semi-final when you're the captain is never a good look,' he said. 'I do believe that Arsenal maybe are growing away from Odegaard. Maybe they've got to look at a player who can come in and be that talisman.'
O'Hara also questioned the impact of summer signing Eberechi Eze, who replaced Odegaard in the match. 'When Eze came on tonight, he kept getting caught in possession. He's done a couple of good things, but is he the world star in the number 10 role for Arsenal? I'm not sure,' he added. 'But Odegaard needs to up his game. He needs to buck his ideas up because he will end up falling down a pecking order. I don't think he can be the captain anymore.'
Potential Successor: Declan Rice
Meanwhile, former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy believes Declan Rice would be the ideal candidate to take over the captaincy if Odegaard leaves. 'He's never going to catch the eye in terms of doing step-overs and pinging one in top bins, running 30 yards. He ain't that player. What he is, defensively, he's a monster,' Cundy said. 'When he goes forward, he carries the team. He's brilliant in control. I think he will be England's next captain and I think it'll be Arsenal's next captain.'
With Arsenal still competing in the Champions League and Premier League, Arteta faces a crucial decision over Odegaard's future. The £30m-rated midfielder's form and fitness will be under scrutiny as the season reaches its climax.
