Defending champions, Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup following a devastating 1 – 0 defeat to Southampton in the fourth round tie of the competition on Saturday.
An own goal in the 24th minute by Gabriel was enough to hand the Saints victory in a keenly contested game.
Despite a disappointing show form Mikel Arteta’s team, especially from high-profile duo Willian and Nicolas Pepe, the potential arrival of Martin Odegaard has given fans something to look forward to after all.
The Real Madrid ace midfielder has been on the radar of the north London club owing to their search for a creative force in the midfield.
“I don’t know, obviously we played today and since last night I don’t have any news,” Arteta said of talks to bring in the Norwegian. “I will probably get a few phone calls today and see where we are with every deal.”
The emergence of Emile Smith Rowe as Arsenal’s go-to playmaker has raised questions as to whether the arrival of 22-year-old Odegaard would stunt the former’s progression, but Arteta insists there is always a clear plan in place for individuals’ development.
“I cannot talk about any player that is not with us,” he said. “We have a very clear idea about how we want to develop our players and what they need to do that. All the decisions we make are to reinforce that development and try to give them the best possible chance.”
The Gunners’ skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did not feature in the game against Southampton, having been dropped from the squad shortly before kick-off.
Arteta revealed at the time without delving into much details: “He had a personal matter in the last few hours and we had to send him back.”
“I don’t know,” the manager said. “He needs to address that issue to see how it evolves. We’re here, we will have to support him. He needs to take the time that is needed because that’s a priority at the moment.”
The Gabonese striker left the pitch and went straight down the tunnel after he was substituted in Arsenal’s 3 – 0 triumph over Newcastle United in the English Premier League on Tuesday.
He scored a brace in the game to end a one month goal drought, but did not get to play for the entire duration.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard, who fielded question from journalist about his striker’s action claimed: “It was a little stomach problem I think and he had to come off.”
