Having prolonged their buffer on the high of the Premier League in midweek and now holding a seven-point buffer over title rivals Manchester Metropolis, Arsenal are nonetheless on target to finish an iconic quadruple-winning marketing campaign in 2026.
With Mikel Arteta’s aspect firmly within the driver’s seat and ending their greater than 20-year anticipate the home title, they start their Champions League Spherical of 16 journey subsequent week once they journey to Bayer Leverkusen for a first-leg conflict.
Nonetheless, regardless of their general dominance this season, it has been urged that the Gunners might be set for a possible overhaul this summer time.
Arsenal might be compelled to half methods with a few of their largest first-team superstars as they appear to interrupt even with a £268m switch charge.
Compelled to play with out captain Martin Odegaard for lengthy stretches of this season, the Norwegian has change into considerably of a forgotten man in north London, remaining on the sidelines after struggling additional damage setbacks.
The 27-year-old’s present contract on the Emirates may run till the summer time of 2028, however Arteta’s aspect may even see now as the right time to finish an emotional farewell.
Is Odegaard’s reign in north London nearing an finish?
Odegaard may have been named Arsenal’s first-team captain in the summertime of 2022, nevertheless it’s secure to say the Norwegian playmaker has endured a nightmare 18 months in north London.
The Gunners might as soon as once more have a commanding buffer within the race to win the Premier League for the primary time since 2004, however their captain shall be compelled to observe a giant sport for the sidelines.
After lacking three months final season with a critical ankle damage, Odegaard is as soon as once more having to take care of a sequence of high-profile health points.
The previous Actual Madrid teen has already been sidelined by shoulder, knee and muscle accidents throughout the 2025/26 season.
Odegaard might be at a significant crossroads in his profession this summer time, having missed 17 video games this season and with new signing Eberechi Eze clearly relishing the chance to play in a extra central function.
The Telegraph reported this week that Arsenal’s leaders are contemplating the potential of signing their captain this summer time, with the 67-cap worldwide solely making a short 13-minute cameo within the Gunners’ 4-1 win over Spurs in North London on February 22.
Some might counsel that Odegaard stays targeted on extending his keep on the Emirates and is open to talks over a possible new contract, however Arteta’s aspect might really feel this summer time is the right alternative to signal the midfield famous person.
Arsenal must promote at the least one first-team participant this summer time
🔴Martin Odegaard?
🔴Gabriel Martinelli?
🔴Ben White?
🔴Miles Lewis-Skelly?
🔴Ethan Nwaneri?@SamWallaceTel and @SamJDean Report ⬇️https://t.co/tgrPKkOlhu#AFC | #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/l6GCKIBieB— Telegraph Soccer (@TeleFootball) March 5, 2026
Will Tonali substitute Odegaard?
Sandro Tonali is reportedly receiving robust late-game curiosity and will find yourself staying at St James’ Park throughout the January switch window, however Newcastle’s midfield talisman may discover himself on the middle of an actual summer time story.
The Magpies have an almighty activity within the race to have any journey in Europe within the coming months, as Eddie Howe’s aspect stay caught within the backside half of the Premier League.
Over the previous six weeks, Tonali has reportedly made it clear to St James’ Park bosses that he desires to play within the Champions League subsequent season, with Arsenal closely linked with a sensational deadline day transfer for the previous AC Milan starlet.
Regardless of Newcastle’s home struggles this season, Tonali has developed into one of many Premier League’s standout midfield stars, and it is no secret that the 25-year-old has a following of a few of Europe’s largest gamers.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is claimed to be a giant fan of the 30-cap worldwide, with The Athletic suggesting final month that Tonali’s agent had already contacted Berta a couple of doable transfer.
Fellow Premier League giants Manchester Metropolis should still be open to spending massive on Newcastle’s midfield famous person, however Arsenal might take into account Tonali to be the right alternative for Odegaard.
🚨Excluding – #Arsenal Exhibiting curiosity in Sandro #tonari And we’re working arduous to signal him. To influence Tonali to affix, he gives a contract till 2031 with a really excessive annual wage. #AFC. It isn’t straightforward. Time is brief. #newcastle Asks for £100m however will not need to promote midfielder
— Nicolo Schira (@NicoSchira) February 2, 2026
