Mikel Arteta says £85k-a-week Arsenal man needs to improve

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Arsenal take on Leicester City this weekend and Mikel Arteta has challenged midfielder Martin Odegaard to improve more to help the team.

Odegaard, a £30m summer signing, has not quite hit the heights many expected as yet this term. He’s scored just the one goal, a free-kick away at Burnley, while a solitary assist is hardly anything to shout home about.

The Norwegian was left out of last week’s win over Aston Villa, with Alexandre Lacazette dropping into a number ten role and impressing against Dean Smith’s men.

And when asked specifically about Odegaard in his pre-match press conference this week, Arteta admitted that he needed to see more end product from the ex-Real Madrid man.

“Absolutely. All the players that are playing in the attacking line have to contribute at the maximum level that is required to achieve the numbers that you need to be the best team in the league. If you don’t then it’s just maths. You won’t get there,” Arteta told journalists.

Odegaard, who earns a reported £85k-a-week, is expected to be on the bench again this weekend. The Gunners travel to Leicester City looking to continue their fine run of unbeaten form.

TBR’s View: Odegaard needs to seize Arsenal chances when they come

When Arsenal signed Odegaard, he was meant to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw. Gunners fans had been crying out for a number 10, and Odegaard seemed to be the man.

However, it’s just not quite clicking. Yes, it’s hard when you’re in and out of the team, but Odegaard needs to take his chances more. He showed his quality at Burnley, he just needs to show more.

As with all top players, consistency is key. If Odegaard can get a run of games and find that, then there’s every chance he’ll deliver. But for now, Arteta is right in his assessment.