Eze's explosive rise shakes the 'throne' of Odegaard?

Declining form and increasing competition have cast doubt on Martin Odegaard's role at Arsenal, as Eberechi Eze continues to impress and "apply pressure" on the Norwegian captain.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has become the focus of attention as his future is questioned following a disappointing season. Once a key figure in manager Mikel Arteta's system, the Norwegian midfielder now faces intense competition and doubts about his influence at Emirates Stadium.

Injuries and inconsistent form have cost Odegaard his guaranteed starting spot. He has started less than half of the domestic league matches and scored only once in 27 appearances across all competitions. These numbers starkly contrast with the creative leader who helped Arsenal challenge for titles in recent seasons.

Pressure on Odegaard has intensified with Arsenal's high-profile signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Although not yet fully settled, Eze made a strong impression by scoring a brace in the North London derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur. That performance has led many pundits to urge Arteta to give more opportunities to the new signing rather than maintaining absolute faith in the captain.

Some former players even suggest Odegaard should consider leaving. Liverpool legend Steve Nicol argues the 28-year-old midfielder is no longer a certain starter, while former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf assesses that while Odegaard still plays elegantly, he lacks the direct impact on games compared to Eze, who offers a more direct style and higher energy.

However, the UK's Metro reports that Odegaard has no intention of leaving Arsenal this summer. After fully recovering, he is said to be determined to win back his place and contribute to the title chase. Arteta still values his player's tactical role highly, particularly his ability to control tempo and create, despite a significant drop in goals this season.

Arsenal currently holds a significant advantage in the Premier League title race, leading Manchester City by five points. Alongside domestic ambitions, the London club is also competing in the UEFA Champions League, the EFL Cup final, and the FA Cup, providing Odegaard with opportunities to prove his worth in the decisive stage of the season.