Arsenal have identified the perfect way to provide more support to their captain Martin Odegaard, who has struggled for form somewhat in 2024/25.
While the Norwegian struggled with an ankle injury early in the campaign, Odegaard has largely failed to hit the performance heights he has managed in recent seasons. Five goals and seven assists in 31 games is considerably lower than what he has previously managed, with his Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta even recognising his captain's inconsistency.
Maybe the efficiency has dropped a little," Arteta said last month. "There were some penalties there as well that he scored in the past, thats another factor. But we want to increase the levels of the scoring records of every individual and Martin is one of them.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard looking to get back to his best
Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz certainly hasn't helped Odegaard in his search for consistency, but that could all change with additions in the summer.
Indeed, in order to help the 26-year-old get back to his best, Arsenal have reportedly already made an offer for a top European star in an attempt to sign them in the summer transfer window.
According to Caughtoffside, Arsenal have approached Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich with a formal offer ahead of his contract expiring in the summer, seeing him as the perfect player to help boost the quality in Arteta's squad.
While Thomas Partey and Jorginho are more traditional defensive midfielders who keep things ticking over with simple passes and breaking up play, Kimmich is a lot more creative and purposeful in attack. Partey and Jorginho both seem likely to leave the Emirates this summer, too, highlighting the Gunners' need for a new midfielder.
This could only serve to benefit Odegaard, with Kimmich's passing and forward movement both freeing up space for the Norwegian to operate in. His 10 assists this season prove his penchant for getting forward and helping with moves.
The report, however, suggests that Arsenal will face a difficult test in convincing Kimmich to move to the Emirates, with Sky Sports Germany also reporting that Kimmich is set to put pen to paper on a new Bayern Munich deal.
In FourFourTwo's view, Kimmich would be an excellent signing for Arsenal, though it makes sense that he would prefer to stay at Bayern and continue winning trophies in Germany - especially ahead of the World Cup next year.
Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they host Chelsea.
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