Roy Keane Dismisses Martin Odegaard as Arsenal Eye Arda Guler and Ibrahim Maza

Roy Keane questions Martin Odegaard’s elite status as Arsenal eye €65m-rated Ibrahim Maza and Arda Guler to bolster Mikel Arteta's midfield.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 11:25 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Faltering Title Race at Turf Moor

Manchester City secured the top spot in the Premier League following a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening, April 22, 2026. An early goal from Erling Haaland, his 35th of the season across all competitions, was enough to sink the Clarets and leapfrog Arsenal in the standings. While both title contenders sit on 70 points with identical +37 goal differences, City now leads the table based on goals scored, having netted 66 times compared to the Gunners’ 63. This shift follows Arsenal’s damaging 2-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side last weekend, a result that has seen a once-commanding nine-point lead evaporate in less than two weeks.

Keane Questions Odegaard’s Elite Impact

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has been vocal in his skepticism regarding Martin Odegaard’s ability to influence the highest level of the game. Speaking on The Overlap, Keane dismissed the Norwegian playmaker’s contribution during the recent loss to Manchester City, despite Odegaard providing four key passes after returning from a brief injury layoff. Keane observed that while the 27-year-old is neat and tidy, he does not believe the midfielder provides enough to overcome elite opponents. This sentiment was echoed by journalist Henry Winter, who noted that the captain embodies Arsenal’s aesthetic style but often fails to "hurt" top-tier teams when the stakes are highest.

Berta Strategic Planning for the Post-Odegaard Era

Amidst these criticisms, Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta is reportedly looking toward the future of the Gunners' midfield. Although Odegaard remains under contract until June 2028, the club has begun identifying high-potential talents capable of eventually assuming his role as the team’s creative fulcrum. This proactive scouting approach suggests that the Arsenal hierarchy is wary of the physical toll and consistency required for sustained Premier League title challenges. The focus has primarily landed on two emerging stars in European football who possess the technical proficiency Mikel Arteta demands for his tactical system.