Arteta takes action after Edu's £80m plan puts Odegaard in awkward position

Mikel Arteta has proved Martin Odegaard still has an important role to play for Arsenal amid concern over the playmaker's lack of involvement.

Odegaard, 22, was handed a welcome return to the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Newcastle United having been benched for the Gunners' last four Premier League games.

The Norway captain arrived at the Emirates from Real Madrid for an initial £30million this summer after an impressive short-term loan last season.

He scored his only goal of the season to fire Arsenal to victory over Burnley in September but soon dropped out of the line-up as Arteta tweaked his formation.

The north London club enjoyed an impressive eight-game unbeaten run in the top flight using a 4-4-2 which saw Alexandre Lacazette partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front.

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With Emile Smith Rowe going from strength to strength on the left wing and Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank, this left no room in the side for Odegaard, who is a natural No.10.

However, Arteta reverted back to a 4-2-3-1 set-up for the visit of Newcastle, which came after a chastening 4-0 defeat at Liverpool the previous weekend.

Odegaard was entrusted with a key role in attacking midfield against the Magpies which will allay the fears over a lack of game time he expressed in an honest admission earlier this month.

"I was out of the team and those who entered did well," Odegaard said in mid-November. "I haven't played as much as I wish, but that's football.

"Those who have played have done well. We have done very good as a team, That's positive."

Odegaard's attitude in the face of adversity speaks volumes about his mentality and dedication, and it gives Arsenal sporting director Edu something to think about.

The Brazilian transfer chief is believed to be keen on Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, who himself has seen limited action on the pitch this season.

Over half of the 26-year-old's 17 appearances have come from the bench and he recently suggested he would be open to a transfer in search of more minutes.

Sterling is valued at £50million by City and widespread reports claim he could be sold ahead of next season, by which time he will have less than a year remaining on his contract.

The seasoned England international is sure to continue to interest clubs including Arsenal, but Arteta reminded Edu of his faith in Odegaard by recalling him to the line-up on Saturday.