Martin Keown has questioned Arsenal’s decision to sign Martin Odegaard permanently, given the weakness that still exists in the club’s squad.
The Norwegian midfielder returned to Real Madrid at the end of last campaign after an eye-catching six months in London, hoping to establish himself as an important first team player under Carlo Ancelotti.
But, Odegaard failed to convince the Italian he was worthy of a place in Madrid’s squad and accepted the chance to return to Arsenal, who announced his return on Friday.
The 22-year-old will cost Arsenal around £27m, but Keown feels Arsenal already boast a better player than Odegaard in Smith Rowe and believes Arteta should have been looking to spend money on bolstering his midfield engine room instead.
He told talkSPORT: ‘Odegaard came in after Boxing Day. Yes the results improved largely. He played 16 times, nine starts, five (substitute appearances), one goal two assists.
‘I think Smith Rowe is a better player in that position. But if the manager feels this Odegaard can bring something extra to the gorup then time will tell again.
‘I don’t think though that he’s a world class player but I do think he’s a promising player. ‘The other signings, it’s still too early to say. Lokonga in midfield played OK the other night.
- Early Man Utd team news: Daniel James set to start ahead of Jadon Sancho v Southampton
- Mikel Arteta reveals plans to stop Lukaku & Chelsea on Sunday
- Aaron Ramsdale fires warning to Bernd Leno after completing Arsenal move
‘I would’ve thought that’s where the money should have been spent, big money in that central midfield position.’
