Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard Could Finally Get the Arsenal Signings They Need to Reach the Next Level

Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard

Mikel Arteta may be on the verge of taking Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard’s game to new heights—with the potential arrival of two proven Premier League stars reportedly on Arsenal’s radar.

Last season, Saka suffered a hamstring injury in December that ruled him out for 19 games—an absence that dealt a significant blow to Arsenal’s title hopes. At just 23, he’s been an ever-present and essential figure in Arteta’s plans, but the physical toll is beginning to show.

Ødegaard, too, faced a frustrating start to the campaign. An ankle sprain sidelined the Arsenal captain for two months. While both players have shown remarkable resilience, the relentless match schedule is taking its toll.

When you’re playing nearly every minute of every competition, injuries are inevitable. For Arteta, the solution is straightforward: bring in high-quality reinforcements to allow meaningful rotation without compromising performance. And now, two ideal candidates have emerged.

Christian Nørgaard — the Midfield Anchor Arsenal Could Rely On

According to The Standard, Arsenal and Tottenham are both eyeing Brentford midfielder Christian Nørgaard. The 31-year-old still has a contract at the West London club, but his leadership and experience could make him a valuable addition to the Gunners’ squad.

Although Nørgaard typically plays a deeper role than Ødegaard, his game intelligence and relentless work rate mirror those of the Norwegian. As Brentford’s captain, he would also bring a strong voice and presence to the Arsenal dressing room.

Should Thomas Partey leave this summer, Nørgaard could immediately step into a crucial midfield role, offering calm control in possession and a reliable defensive shield.

More importantly, he’s the type of player Arteta could trust to deputise for Ødegaard in less high-stakes matches—such as early-round cup ties or certain Champions League group games—giving the captain vital rest and reducing injury risk.

Noni Madueke — The Dynamic Right-Winger Arsenal Needs

On the right flank, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates. The Athletic reports that Chelsea may be willing to sell for the right price—believed to be around £50 million.

Madueke brings electric pace, sharp dribbling, and that left-footed, cut-inside style that makes Saka so dangerous. While he’s not yet at Saka’s elite level, his flair and directness make him a strong stylistic match and a capable understudy.

The 23-year-old scored 11 goals last season, including a standout hat-trick against Wolves, consistently showcasing his ability to stretch defences and create chances from the right wing.

For Arteta, it’s not just about adding depth—it’s about having players who can slot into a high-functioning system without lowering the team’s intensity or output. Madueke could be the ideal player to give Saka much-needed breaks while keeping Arsenal’s attack just as sharp.

The Bigger Picture

Saka and Ødegaard remain at the heart of Arsenal’s title ambitions, but to truly sustain a title challenge over a long, grueling season, Arteta needs to take the long view. Adding reliable, Premier League-proven reinforcements like Nørgaard and Madueke could be the key to unlocking the next level—not just for the team, but for its biggest stars.

Football London

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