Arteta’s Arsenal update: Odegaard ‘available’ BOMB, Chelsea DIG over Sterling, Wenger AMBITION

Robin Bairner

Updated: 13 Sept 2024 14:13 BST
4 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not miss the chance to aim a cheeky barb at Chelsea over Raheem Sterling and gave an update on the clubs injury situation, including the health of Martin Odegaard, ahead of Sunday’s North London derby with Tottenham.

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Cheeky Chelsea dig

The Gunners completed a surprise loan move for Sterling on the final day of the transfer window, whisking him away from Chelsea, where he had been made a member of Enzo Maresca’s infamous ‘Bomb Squad’.

So peripheral was the former Manchester City and Liverpool winger with the Stamford Bridge outfit, it has been reported by The Athletic that Arsenal are paying less than half his wages. On top of this, they are under no obligation to sign him at the end of the season.

Current ETV

Raheem Sterling

M (L), AM (R)

Arsenal

Raheem Sterling

M (L), AM (R)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€34.5M - €57.4M

Sterling had made it clear he was unhappy at Chelsea, and Arteta, speaking to the press on Friday, did not miss the opportunity to make that point.

“He looks great, first of all because he has a big smile on his face. He’s got a lot of energy. He wants to prove a point,” Arteta said.

He then discussed the talks with the player, which appear to have been remarkably straightforward.

“I knew straight away after 10 seconds that we had to bring him because he really wanted it. After 10 seconds I knew already before the next questions that we had to bring him here.”

Arteta refuses to rule out Odegaard

Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss refused to rule out Martin Odegaard from Sunday’s clash with Spurs, despite previous claims the midfielder could miss up to three weeks.

“We need some more tests. Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. This afternoon probably. Let’s see the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. Martin wants to be here every day but we have to wait and see,” Arteta said.

Players with 48 hours are always available

- Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard

“I leave that to the doctor. He’s willing and he wants to be present in every game. We need to make sure we know first how good he is or not.

“Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens.”

© IMAGO - Martin Odegaard limped out of Norway's Nations League clash with Austria

I want to emulate Wenger

Arteta signed a new contract with Arsenal on Thursday and has set his sights on overtaking Arsene Wenger as the greatest manager the club has known.

“I’m really happy and excited. It shows the alignment between the club and the coaching staff. We enjoy working together and we have higher ambitions that we want to fulfil,” he said of the three-year deal.

“Hopefully I can emulate Wenger. My aim is to be my best version of myself. The best coach ever for Arsenal. That’s the only objective.”