Arsenal announce released players as Martin Odegaard and David Luiz leave the club. Arsenal have announced their released players for 2020/21 with the likes of Martin Odegaard and David Luiz seeing their contracts come to an end. Luiz was handed an extra 12 months on his deal last summer after impressing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta with the impact he had on the younger members of the squad. But it was decided that his time would come to an end this summer after almost two years at the club.
Odegaard is expected to return to Real Madrid but it’s not known whether he’ll compete for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Despite the announcement, it does not mean that Norweigian player cannot re-join the Gunners. The Athletic have reported that Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s #1 transfer target this summer following his successful loan spell at the club. Mikel Arteta is huge admirer of the midfielder and wants to keep his character and leadership qualities around in addition to his footballing talent. Youngsters including Joseph Olowu and Luke Plange have been released, while Arthur Okonkwo and Kido Taylor-Hart are not mentioned with contract offers on the table for both respective players.
Arsenal have had an opening bid of £30m rejected by Norwich as they try hard to sign Emi Buendia this summer transfer window, one of Mikel Arteta’s primary attacking targets. The Argentine has been on the Gunners’ radar since before the start of the previous season, having hugely impressed in the Premier League despite the Canaries’ ill-fated campaign. Given the attacking midfield options Arsenal are chasing, it’s little surprise to see Buendia pushed for so strongly. Netting 15 goals and clocking up 16 assists in last season’s Championship, the 24-year-old won the Player of the Season gong and topped almost every statistical chart one could ask for in a player of his ilk.