Wednesday night proved that this season could, in fact, get worse for Arsenal fans.
While the Gunners were just about coming to terms with another season without a trophy, they had to watch bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur win the Europa League and, in turn, book their place in the Champions League next year.
So, to ensure it’s the red side celebrating silverware next season, Andrea Berta and Co need to make sure they bring in some incredibly talented players who can make a real difference in the summer.
Fortunately, that looks like it may well happen, as recent reports have linked the club with one of the most exciting internationals on the continent, someone who could be the perfect upgrade on the underperforming Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal looking at Odegaard replacement
Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other exciting players touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Rafael Leao and Bryan Mbeumo.
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The former might have a release clause worth an astounding £145m, but he’s been in fine form this season, racking up a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances for AC Milan.
Mbeumo, on the other hand, appears far more attainable at around £60m, which could prove to be something of a bargain for a winger who has scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in 41 games for Brentford this season.
However, if a player is going to come in and replace Odegaard, they need to be comfortable in the middle of the park and blessed with immense skill, which is where Xavi Simons comes in.
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in signing the RB Leipzig star.
Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the Dutch international, who could be sold for around £60m.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer, but given Simons’ immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be an ideal Odegaard upgrade.
How Simons compares to Odegaard
So, the first thing to clear up is that while Simons can play in a number of positions – which is another reason Arsenal should sign him – attacking midfield is his second most played role, and with some of the other wingers linked to the club in recent weeks, we wouldn’t be surprised if that was where Arteta and Co would want to play him.
Therefore, his biggest competitor for game time would be Odegaard, so who comes out on top when we compare them?
Well, when it comes to pure output, it’s the mercurial Dutchman who comes out way ahead.
In just 33 appearances this season, the 22-year-old has really showcased why he’s “one of the best 10s in the world” in the words of one analyst on social media, having scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games.
In contrast, the Norwegian ace has scored just five goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.58 games.
The one-sided nature of the comparison only continues when we go back and take a look at their output from last season, when the Gunners captain was actually in form and won the team’s Player of the Year Award.
For example, he managed a respectable haul of 11 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.08 games.
Appearances
43
48
Goals
10
11
Assists
15
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.47
Appearances
33
44
Goals
11
5
Assists
8
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
0.38
However, the former PSV gem did even better and ended the campaign with a superb tally of ten goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games.
Ultimately, while Odegaard remains an incredibly talented footballer, he’s been seriously underwhelming this season, and even when he was nearer his best last year, Simons outperformed him.
Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign the Leipzig star before someone else beats them to it.
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