Arsenal Open to Selling Captain Martin Ødegaard as Performance Slump Sparks Interest from Inter Milan and Aston Villa

Arsenal reportedly open to selling Martin Ødegaard as Inter Milan and Aston Villa show interest in the Gunners' captain following a dip in form.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 8:22 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

The End of an Indispensable Era

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal management has reportedly removed Martin Ødegaard from their "not for sale" list. According to reports from the "Fichajes" portal, the Norwegian international is no longer viewed as a central, untouchable pillar of Mikel Arteta’s project. This sudden shift in status follows a challenging period for the club captain, whose recent performances have been marred by inconsistency and a reduced impact on the pitch. Having joined the club from Real Madrid in 2021, Ødegaard’s potential departure would mark the most significant leadership change in North London since the start of the current era.

Mikel Arteta Prioritizes Consistency

The tactical rationale behind this decision stems from Mikel Arteta’s desire to evolve the Arsenal squad toward a more consistent performance baseline. While Ødegaard’s playmaking vision and leadership were fundamental to the Gunners' rise over the past three seasons, the coaching staff reportedly believes that his recent dip in form has hindered the team’s offensive rhythm. Arteta is understood to be seeking a more dynamic midfield presence capable of maintaining high-intensity output throughout the grueling Premier League campaign. This has led the board to open the door for potential suitors, signaling that no player—regardless of their rank—is immune to the club’s high-performance standards.

Inter Milan and Aston Villa Lead the Chase

The news of Ødegaard’s availability has immediately alerted several European heavyweights looking to bolster their creative options. Inter Milan have emerged as a primary contender, with the Italian giants viewing the Norwegian as the ideal profile to add technical depth to their midfield as they prepare for a renewed Champions League charge. Simultaneously, Aston Villa are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, as Unai Emery looks to continue his ambitious recruitment drive in Birmingham. Both clubs are said to be preparing formal inquiries, sensing a rare opportunity to acquire a seasoned Premier League playmaker at the peak of his career.