MARTIN ODEGAARD admits he struggled to transfer after Arsenal’s Premier League heartbreak left him feeling “flat” and “empty”.
But the Gunners captain is confident the club can do it for a third time thanks to a Mikel Arteta-inspired pre-season getaway to Marbella.
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Kevin De Bruyne has verbally agreed to sign up for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, according to reports.
West Ham have signed Wolves defender Max Kilman for £40m.
Chelsea have had a £42million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion rejected by the Spanish club, who are expecting at least £70million, SunSport can reveal.
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The north Londoners led Manchester City to the final day of the Prem last season, but failed extraordinarily in their quest for a top league name since 2004.
Arteta’s men enjoyed a record tenure but still ended up with two problems in second place, having lost an eight-point lead in the 2022/23 campaign.
Odegaard, 25, made an emotional impression when addressing fans at the Emirates ground in May after discovering that their 2-1 win over Everton was not enough to overcome City.
The Norwegian explains: “It’s a bit flat, a little empty. We had a big dream and we were very close.
“They gave it to us on the last day and I had the feeling that something special was going to happen.
“You can see it there, the trophy there, moving.
“After that it is difficult to disconnect. It takes time. It’s vital to disconnect from the world of football, rest is good, but we think more about it.
“It’s there, in your mind, in the back of your head. After a week or two, I started running again.
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With the European Championship in full swing last month, Arteta took six uninvolved first-team stars to a 10-day warm-weather educational camp, adding Ben White, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber, with Odegaard and others joining the group. A little later.
A retirement in Dubai in January did wonders for the team, winning 16 of the remaining 18 Prem games.
Boss Arteta will be hoping a quick return to action will allow them to start their United States tour in style later this month, knowing that small margins are key to turning around City’s Prem’s reign.
Last season, Arsenal’s 28 league wins were those of the Prem era, scoring 89 goals (one fewer than the Invincibles 20 years ago) across the division’s defense, conceding just 29 goals with 18 clean sheets .
Speaking from Marbella, Odegaard added: “It’s about thinking about all the right things.
“The story we made, all the moments. It was not to win it.
A look at five of the key moments in the fight for Arsenal’s name. . .
“But in football, those small margins allow us to win the title. We have to earn it. We know we can improve. We know we will improve.
“They tell you anything every day, especially when you’re so close, you can feel it, you can taste it and you have it there on the last day.
“It gives us all the motivation we want to come back even stronger this year and win, that’s the big goal.
“We need to win anything and that shows the mentality we have now. We are happy if we win.
“There are a lot of young players in it and I feel like one of the oldest. I like this.
“As you get older, you feel more guilty and want to reach your peak.
“I hope there is much more to come. As you age, you just need to push yourself to succeed at your peak level, wherever you are.
Arsenal sporting director Edu has also joined the organisation in Marbella as they prepare to bring new faces into Arteta’s side, with a winger, midfielder, flexible defender and substitute goalkeeper on their wish list.
Regarding the possible arrivals, Odegaard said: “I am satisfied with the team we have. We have incredible quality, so that doesn’t worry me too much.
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Mikel Arteta is trying to set Arsenal up to beat Man City for the title after another close miss, but he might have to be brutal with his team to achieve it. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who stays and who goes.
David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class goalkeeper with all the attributes for Arteta’s way of playing.
Aaron Ramsdale – GO: It’s sad to have been sidelined by Raya, but now he’s looking for a way to become the normal No. 1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting to play for England.
Karl Hein – STAY: He is unlikely to take Ramsdale’s No. 2 spot following the Englishman’s departure, but the club cannot lose two goalkeepers in a single spell.
William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is one of the most productive young defenders in the world lately, Arteta builds his team around him. An essential component of the backbone of the team that has conceded just 29 Prem goals this season.
Ben White – STAY: Another forged member of Arteta’s back four. He has the flexibility to play on the right or as a center back, but has taken over the right back position this season.
Gabriel – STAY: He was on the outer rim at the start of the campaign, but came back strong and formed an all-powerful partnership with Saliba in the centre of defence. One of Arteta’s top signings.
Jurrien Timber – STAY: We have yet to see the figure of the Dutchman after a season plagued by injuries, but Arteta sees him as a full-back who will change the game.
Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish foreigner struggled to break down the duo Saliba and Gabriel, but was inspired when called upon, when playing at left back.
Cédric – GO: He leaves the club with his contract about to expire. Never convinced, Arteta, who can be counted on and spent most of the season warming up the bench.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another reliable figure that Arteta adores. He can play as a centre-back or right-back and has a genuine presence on set pieces.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in the running to be Arteta’s first choice at left back, it’s hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A smart signing for £35m but limited in defence.
Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and looked leggy when he finally returned from the thigh ailments that kept him out from October to March. The contract ends next summer.
Martin Odegaard – STAY: Fantastic captain. A true leader among men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to win the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of his tenure and has struggled to have an effect when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent team option, but there is a feeling he is running out. It’s time to show the club that he is a player worth keeping.
Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more than anything, makes Arsenal play better with him in the team.
Fabio Vieira – GO: It may be difficult to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season, but he still finds himself out of position in English football. A loan move can help.
Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player leaves with his contract about to expire. The appropriate resolution for either party. A servant from the time of Arsène Wenger.
Kai Havertz – STAY: Now looking like a £65m discount from Chelsea after their shock end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, but he now leads the line as the first-choice number 9.
Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s biggest and most influential signing in years. We have said enough.
Bukayo Saka – STAY: An essential superstar for club and country at the moment. It will be even greater in the coming seasons.
Gabriel Jesús – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot still for now, but it would be foolish to pass him up given his influence in games and his winning mentality within the group.
Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: He’s been out of form this season, but Arteta has wonderful confidence in him. The festival added with Leandro Trossard will make it better.
Eddie Nketiah – GO: Your career has been at a crossroads lately and you will have to leave to change the situation. His six-figure salary may put off Premier League contenders.
Leandro Trossard – STAY: He can contribute his qualities as a starter or substitute, an option to take into account when aspiring to a title.
Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has talked about Nelson’s potential and likes having him in the team, but his impact has diminished in the last year.
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