The painful Martin Ødegaard reality at Arsenal is starting to hit home now

Martin Ødegaard has captained Arsenal throughout a transitional period that has seen them shift from mere European spot challengers to champions of the Premier League, but there is a painful reality that is starting to hit home.

Despite ending the season as a winner of England's top flight, the skipper was guilty of putting in a number of lacklustre performances, both throughout the recent campaign and the term prior.

Fans have been divided over his status within the Gunners setup, with some feeling he should remain given he has worn the armband during a crucial era while others consider his time should be coming to an end.

One set of supporters could be getting their wish this summer as the harsh and painful reality of a potential Ødegaard sale in the summer transfer window is starting to seep in.

Martin Ødegaard could leave Arsenal this summer

Speaking on the Latte Firm podcast, Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport said: "There have been some whispers over the summer that there may be interest in letting Martin Ødegaard go, for the right price."

After winning the club's Player of the Season award in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, the captain's form has suffered a serious drop since, which has now clearly seen severe doubt cast over his future.

Since joining Arsenal on loan in January 2021, and later permanently in August of that year, Ødegaard has scored 42 goals and provided 46 assists in 234 appearances, a relatively solid return for a player of his calibre.

However, inconsistent performances and fitness struggles since the beginning of the 2024/25 season has meant he has contributed just seven goals and 20 assists in his last 81 games. While those numbers may look impressive to some, it's not really anywhere near the level required from the captain of a team looking to create a silverware dynasty.

There is no denying or forgetting how much Ødegaard has contributed to this Gunners team that have gone from failing to qualify for Europe in his first season to finally ending their 22-year Premier League curse in his latest, but his time could now be up.

If Mikel Arteta is serious about wanting his Arsenal team to continue winning trophies on a consistent basis, he has to be ruthless with his side and a cruel part of that could see him sanction a sale of his long-term skipper.

With Eberechi Eze and breakout star Max Dowman in the squad and Morgan Rogers a potential incoming this summer, Ødegaard could genuinely be set for a move away from the Emirates if the price is right over the coming months.

It would be heartbreaking to see him leave, but it would be a crucial moment in a period that could be monumental in the history of Arsenal Football Club. These are the times you never want to come, but this one could be about to.

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