Merson calls Odegaard sale 'madness' but says Arsenal should consider it this summer

Paul Merson has suggested Arsenal should weigh up selling club captain Martin Odegaard this summer, despite the Norwegian’s central role in delivering the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years and leading the side to the Champions League final.

Odegaard, 27, is entering the last 12 months of his contract and earns £240,000 a week, making him one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players. Merson, speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, acknowledged the uncomfortable nature of his own argument.

“It’s madness for me to be saying this but they probably will be thinking about that,” Merson said. “But for me, I still think there’ll be teams queuing round the block for him… When you play in the position that Odegaard plays in, you’re screaming out for pace up front. You have to have pace.”

The former Arsenal forward’s logic centres on the financial and tactical reality facing Mikel Arteta’s side. Renewing Odegaard on improved terms would be a significant long-term commitment for a player who missed 30 games through injury this season. Even when fit, his place in the starting XI was not guaranteed, with Eberechi Eze providing a direct alternative in the No. 10 role.

The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly as a credible midfield option has further complicated the picture, adding competition in an area where Odegaard has long been the undisputed first choice. From a purely commercial standpoint, Merson argues that selling now — while Odegaard’s market value remains high — may be more prudent than allowing him to run down his deal.

Arsenal are understood to be weighing their options, with a shorter-term contract extension also floated as a possible compromise. The club’s hierarchy must balance sentiment with squad planning as they look to build on their Premier League triumph and go one step further in Europe next season.

Odegaard has been a cornerstone of Arteta’s project since joining permanently from Real Madrid in 2021, and his leadership during the title-winning campaign will not be forgotten. Whether that loyalty is rewarded with a new deal — or a lucrative move — is set to be one of the defining transfer questions of the summer at the Emirates.