But injury issues to Partey, and the arrival of Declan Rice, has pushed the Ghana star towards the bench under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship.
Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City last season, but many will still argue that they probably possess the best midfield in the country.
Only Pep Guardiola’s side, with the ageing Kevin de Bruyne and the ever-dominating Rodri, can argue otherwise.
Not only that, but from an individual perspective, Odegaard will argue that he is now the main attacking midfielder in the Premier League and someone like Rice is only behind Rodri.
Another name who could potentially argue that he would get into Arsenal’s midfield is Manchester United’s marmite-like figure, Bruno Fernandes.
Andy Goldstein, who is a Manchester United fan, claimed that Fernandes is ‘better’ than Arsenal’s man with the armband, as he told talkSPORT.
That sparked a debate with former Premier League striker and Arsenal fan, Darren Bent.
Who is better Bruno Fernandes or Martin Odegaard?
“I want to talk about Bruno Fernandes,” said Goldstein. “We have had the conversation, who is better him or Odegaard? There doesn’t need to be an answer.” Bent then responded: “I know because Odegaard is better.”
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Goldstein admitted: “I don’t think there is an answer. They are as good as each other. You have got to give Bruno every ounce of respect.”
Bent then admitted: “I have hammered him in the past, but he is clearly your best and most important player. I would still like to see more in the big games.”
Talk then turned to Partey and if Fernandes would get into Arsenal’s midfield if the defensive-minded midfielder was fit and ready.
It’s fair to say that Bent wasn’t having any of the nonsense being spouted by his fellow pundit as he asked him ‘are you crazy?’
Bent stated: “Say if Partey is injured, Rice, Odegaard and Bruno. Yeah. But if Partey is fit, then he wouldn’t get into Arsenal’s midfield. Are you crazy? Partey-Rice-Odegaard. He isn’t getting in that.”
Goldstein responded: “I think he is better than Odegaard, so I would.”
Bent then told his co-host: “But you are nuts. I have seen Odegaard in big games step up. Big games.”
Will Arsenal sign Mikel Merino?
There is every chance the Gunners could further strengthen their midfield by signing a Euro 2024 winner.
Sources have told HITC when Arsenal want the deal for Mikel Merino done, with Real Sociedad already receiving some good transfer news.
Martin Zubimendi has rejected the chance to join Liverpool, so you question if this is good or bad news for Arsenal.
Either way, the final few weeks of the summer transfer window could throw up a few surprises before it slams shut.
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