Paul Merson says Arsenal man is like a new £100m signing this season

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·10 September 2026

Paul Merson says Arsenal man is like a new £100m signing this season

Paul Merson has been impressed with the form and performances of Martin Odegaard this season and says the midfielder has been like an expensive new signing for Arsenal during this campaign.

Odegaard has delivered yet another match-winning performance for the team and has once again proven that he is one of the top players on the continent.

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His fine performance and goal against Napoli have continued the impressive form he began this season, and this could become his best campaign with the team.

Many people were right to question whether he could still deliver these performances for Arsenal, but he has answered those questions, showing again in Naples that he is enjoying a terrific run of form.

Odegaard proving his quality again

After trying several times to create opportunities for his teammates, the midfielder eventually scored the game’s only goal when the chance came his way.

That is not the first time he has rescued Arsenal this season, and his continued influence has made him increasingly important to the team.

Odegaard has looked far closer to his best this campaign, providing Arsenal with creativity, goals and match-winning performances when they have needed them most.

Merson is delighted with the midfielder’s resurgence and believes he has effectively been like a new signing for the Gunners in this campaign. He said via the Metro:

‘If he can keep on playing like he’s been playing, that’s like a £100m new signing for Arsenal.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Merson hails midfielder’s impact

‘Over the last couple of years, his standards haven’t been good enough but the goal against Chelsea, they’re the goals you put up there for goal of the season.

‘The dummy by Kai Havertz and the finish by Odegaard… that’s football.’

Merson’s comments underline just how much Odegaard’s performances have improved this season, particularly after questions were raised about whether he could consistently produce his best football for Arsenal.

His latest display against Napoli has strengthened the belief that the midfielder is back to his best, while his ability to influence important matches has given the Gunners another major source of quality.

If Odegaard can maintain this level throughout the campaign, Arsenal will hope his form can help them compete strongly in every competition they are involved in.

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