Cole: Arsenal Should Sell Odegaard and Splash £78m on Kvaratskhelia

Joe Cole reckons Arsenal are in a position to cash in on Martin Odegaard and reinvest the windfall into a world-class winger, with Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia topping the Gunners' shopping list.

The Gunners captain has registered just one goal and seven assists across 27 appearances this season, with injuries and fierce competition hampering his campaign. With Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz capable of operating in the number 10 slot, alongside promising youngsters Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri breaking through, Cole sees an opportunity to move Odegaard on.

Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, Cole outlined his vision for Arsenal's summer business. "The way Arsenal as a club are set up now, they're on the cusp of it," he explained. "If they win one trophy, they might really kick on… even already if you look at what they're planning for next year, you hear they're talking about trying to sign Kvaratskhelia from PSG. Imagine putting him in this Arsenal team."

Cole believes Arsenal's main headache lies in retaining their current stars rather than finding replacements. He flagged concerns over forthcoming contract negotiations with Declan Rice, Gabriel, and William Saliba, all of whom will command premium wages befitting their status.

"They might let Martin Odegaard go, but they have the luxury to do that now," Cole said. "They've got Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri coming through, so you can cash in on some players."

Kvaratskhelia has established himself as one of Europe's most lethal left-wingers, terrorising Chelsea during their Champions League last-16 encounter—a tie PSG won 8-2 on aggregate. The Georgian's valuation has climbed beyond €90million (£78m) in the process.

While Arsenal have been linked with a move, Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on the prospect of PSG sanctioning a sale. The Gunners are actively hunting for a left winger capable of outperforming Gabriel Martinelli in terms of goals and assists.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo previously featured prominently in Arsenal's thinking, though a torn ACL has sidelined the Brazilian. Athletic Club's Nico Williams, Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, and AC Milan's Rafael Leao represent alternative targets.