Arteta and Odegaard at Breaking Point as Arsenal Prepare for Summer Exit

The dam appears to have burst between Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard. According to reports, the Arsenal captain's partnership with his manager has "reached the point of no return," prompting the club to consider offloading him in the transfer window. Both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are circling, with a £70m valuation thought to be in the ballpark.

It's a remarkable turn of events for a player who arrived at the Emirates for £30m from Real Madrid in summer 2021 following an impressive loan spell. Arteta moved swiftly to hand him the armband, making him central to his midfield blueprint. Now, just a few years later, that relationship appears terminally damaged.

The deterioration has been gradual but persistent. Claims suggest tensions stem from disagreements over team management, Odegaard's specific role within the side, and certain tactical approaches. What was once viewed as an unshakeable bond has morphed into clear daylight between player and manager. The 27-year-old is reportedly uncomfortable with the direction Arsenal are heading, and that discomfort has only widened the chasm.

Arsenal's hierarchy has grown concerned enough to conclude that a summer departure might represent the cleanest outcome for everyone involved. Real Madrid, who originally signed Odegaard from Strømsgodset in 2015, haven't forgotten what he's capable of and are weighing up a potential move. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich see him as an ideal fit—a creative midfielder with leadership credentials and international pedigree that would suit Vincent Kompany's vision.

The asking price of £70m signals Arsenal's intention to recoup a substantial portion of their investment and move forward.

Paul Scholes has added his voice to the debate, suggesting Odegaard might actually be part of the problem rather than the solution. Speaking on The Overlap, the former Manchester United midfielder was blunt in his assessment.

"Odegaard could be the problem," Scholes declared. "He wants to play as a No.10, and if you're not playing good football, it's his job to make your team play good football—exciting attacking football. I don't think he does it. He drops into midfield. Look, I like him; technically he's brilliant and good to watch. But he drops into midfield."

Scholes drew on his own experience in that role, explaining the responsibility that comes with operating as a playmaker. "I played No.10. If they came into the midfield area and played where Roy should be, he'd say 'f*** off'—get up there. Odegaard doesn't do it enough in those areas where it wins games."

The former United legend then pointed to the template set by Premier League title winners. "Think about the teams we've watched win the league like Liverpool and Man City—they're exciting to watch. They're exciting because of people like David Silva and Phil Foden receiving the ball on the edge of the box where it matters. It also kills the centre forward if he's got nobody to play with. These players are imperative to making your team play good football."

For Arsenal, the question now becomes whether moving Odegaard on represents a fresh start or an admission of defeat in their quest for silverware.