With Arsenal set to welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium, former Red Devils star Louis Saha has revealed which Gunners player he’d love his old club to sign
In the last decade, just three players have moved directly between Arsenal and Manchester United.
It’s little surprise really – the two clubs have spent the bulk of the Premier League era battling it out for the top honours, so relations between them haven’t always been particularly cordial. But that hasn’t stopped ex-United striker Louis Saha picturing one of the Gunners’ most high-profile stars in a Red Devils shirt.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s clash between the teams at the Emirates Stadium, Saha was asked which Arsenal player he’d most like United sign, and he answered without hesitation. “Martin Odegaard is someone that I really like,” the Frenchman, 46, told Casino Utan Spelpaus.
“His intelligence as a provider is similar to Bruno Fernandes. I like his capacity to be in and out of the box. The area that he’s playing, sometimes he’s playing deep, sometimes he’s playing really high.
“He provides the connection with the midfield and the strikers, so I really like his positioning. I would think that that’s what United needs to create chances, to create a high tempo, to create a bit of extra quality.
“Technically, when there is a bit of pressure, you can still give him the ball and it doesn’t matter to him. So I would say Odegaard, even if I think physically, we perhaps need a player like Declan Rice in midfield.”
Odegaard, 25, has been a revelation since joining Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2020. He’s blossomed not only into arguably the Gunners’ most important player, but also into one of the finest midfielders in Europe – just as he was tipped to become when he signed for Los Blancos as a 16-year-old back in 2015.
In four years in north London, the Norwegian has racked up 161 appearances, scored 36 goals and provided 28 assists. He was appointed club captain in 2022 and has helped turn Mikel Arteta’s side into one of the strongest on the continent.
United aren’t exactly short on creative, attacking midfielders, but with Mason Mount struggling for form and fitness, and Christian Eriksen approaching his mid-30s, a player of Odegaard’s ilk would be just what the doctor ordered for Ruben Amorim.
Wednesday’s clash between United and Arsenal is a crucial one for both sides. Following their 4-0 thumping of Everton at the weekend, the Red Devils are in the top half of the table for the first since the opening weekend of the season, and could announce their re-emergence as a Premier League powerhouse with a win.
Arsenal on the other hand will be eager to close the gap on table-toppers Liverpool, who face Newcastle at St James’ Park this evening. Defeat could leave a 12-point gap between them and Arne Slot’s men, which, even in December, might prove too much to overcome.
Saha, meanwhile, spent four seasons at United, and lifted four major honours including two Premier League titles and the Champions League. He joined the club in 2004 from Fulham, and scored 42 times in 124 games before leaving for Everton in 2008.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
