Arsenal could have £76m bid accepted for “spectacular” Odegaard upgrade

Sign in to your FootballFanCast accountThis summer is a huge one for Mikel Arteta if he is to be successful at Arsenal, needing to secure key additions to his first-team squad to help take them to the next level. The Spaniard has been in the role since December 2020, conducting an overhaul of the squad and helping them rise back up the Premier League table over recent years. However, in the last two years, the Gunners have only been able to finish in second place, unable to make the leap and go one step further and end their two-decade wait for a title triumph. During his tenure, the 43-year-old has only won one major trophy, claiming the FA Cup back in 2019/20 – with more success needed if he is to maintain his position at the helm. If he is to do that, he will need to be backed by the board in the transfer market, needing to land various key targets in multiple areas to provide the strength and depth he greatly desires. An update on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summerOver the last few weeks, a striker has been top of Andrea Berta’s shopping list as Arsenal’s sporting director, with Viktor Gyokeres being his number one option this summer. The Swede is of huge interest from multiple clubs across Europe after netting 52 goals in his 48 games across all competitions in 2024/25 for Sporting CP. However, he’s not the only player on their shortlist, with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz the latest name to emerge on their summer shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet. The report claims that the Serie A side could entertain offers in the region of €90m (£76m) for the 20-year-old Turkish international in the coming months. The Gunners are said to be wanting to improve Arteta’s options within the final third, with Yildiz high in their estimations given his versatility and that they could offer the youngster an exciting opportunity in North London. Why Arsenal’s £76m target could replace Odegaard at ArsenalMartin Odegaard has been Arsenal’s go-to star in terms of creativity over the last couple of seasons, handing Arteta the platform to succeed in the Premier League. The Norwegian has been a regular starter in the attacking midfield role for the Gunners since his £30m move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. However, he’s been unable to produce his best performance levels in recent months, with injuries hampering his progress and undoubtedly having an impact on his showings. The ankle issue he suffered back in September saw him miss six weeks of action, only registering nine combined goals and assists in the league since, highlighting his lack of form at the Emirates. The summer will give the 26-year-old more time to regain full fitness, but he may not be able to thrive in his regular role in 2025/26 should the hierarchy pull off a deal for Yildiz. The youngster, who’s primarily a winger, is also capable of operating in a number 10 role, which could end the Norwegian’s time as a regular starter in Arteta’s plans. When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Turkish star has managed to outperform Odegaard in various key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be in North London. How Yildiz compares to Odegaard in 2024/25 Statistics (per 90) Yildiz Odegaard Games played 33 27 Goals & assists 8 9 Progressive carries 4.1 3.4 Shot on target accuracy 36% 30% Take-ons completed 2.3 0.9 Take-on success 56% 51% Tackles won 1.2 0.4 Stats via FBref The Juve star, who’s been labelled “spectacular” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed more progressive carries per 90, along with more take-ons completed – showcasing the threat he poses with the ball at his feet in attacking areas. He’s also managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate and more tackles won, having the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch within Arteta’s system. Whilst it would be a hefty addition given the price tag that has been mooted, Yildiz has showcased his quality consistently at the top-level despite his tender age. He has the potential to take his career to the next level in the Premier League, arguably being the club’s shining light in their ambitions of returning to the top of the division in the near future. RelatedArteta must axe £27m Arsenal dud who was worse than Odegaard v BournemouthArsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.