Martin Odegaard Available To Play For Arsenal As Mustafi Exits
Arsenal have now solved a big issue following the signing of Martin Odegaard.
The 22-year-old’s loan move from Real Madrid was officially finalised last week and he increases the creative options in Mikel Arteta‘s squad for the remainder of the season.
However, Odegaard has still needed to be registered in Arsenal‘s 25-man squad in order to play in the Premier League during the second half of the season.
This is because Premier League rules dictate that clubs can have a maximum of 17 foreign players in their 25-man list.
Because Sokratis and Mesut Ozil were not named in the squad at the start of the season, there were no spots to take following their free transfers to Olympiacos and Fenerbahce respectively.
But with Shkodran Mustafi joining Schalke, Odegaard is now able to take the remaining non-homegrown spot in the squad.
Prior to the announcement that was made on transfer deadline day, there were no non-homegrown slots available following Sead Kolasinac’s exit as his place had already been taken by goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who had joined on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion.
As a result, Mikel Arteta has avoided a situation where he would have needed to make another high-profile squad omission as Odegaard can replace Mustafi with no issues involved.
Speaking after Mustafi’s move was confirmed, Arteta and technical director Edu thanked the 28-year-old for his contribution at the Emirates Stadium.
“Musti has been a key player for us for a long period of time. He played a very important part in my first season as manager and I’d like to thank him for his professionalism and for always being ready when called upon,” Arteta
