Riise Dismisses Odegaard Exit Talk: 'He's Arsenal's Captain, He's Staying'

Former Liverpool and Norway defender John Arne Riise has moved to quash speculation that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could be on his way out of the Emirates this summer. Odegaard, 27, is preparing to lead Norway in a World Cup quarterfinal against England on Saturday, but recent reports have suggested Arsenal might be open to selling the playmaker. With just two years left on his contract and a modest return of one goal and six assists in 32 Premier League appearances last season, questions have been raised about his long-term role in Mikel Arteta's squad. Riise, however, sees no reason for a parting of ways. "I can understand people wondering if his time is up, but Martin is the captain. He performs well, and you can see at the World Cup that he's in good shape and doing well for Norway," Riise said. "I don't know exactly how long his contract is, but I cannot picture him leaving. He's clearly happy there and he's the captain." The Norwegian veteran acknowledged Odegaard's inconsistent season but believes a strong start next campaign will win back any doubters. "It's been up and down with injuries, so he needs to hit the ground running next season and get the fans back on his side," Riise added. Behind the rumors lies Arsenal's aggressive pursuit of Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. The England international has been identified as the club's top summer target, and Rogers is reportedly keen on the move after the World Cup. However, Villa's demand of over €120 million has given Arsenal pause, especially given their advanced negotiations for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. With Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri and Odegaard already on the books as attacking midfield options, adding Rogers would create a logjam. That has fueled speculation that either Nwaneri or Odegaard could be sold. But Riise insists Odegaard remains a favorite of Arteta and is highly unlikely to be allowed to leave. "He's still the captain and one of Arteta's most trusted players. An exit this summer is very improbable," Riise concluded.