Odegaard put in awkward position as Edu's £80m Arsenal transfer plan emerges

Martin Odegaard will find himself in an awkward position at Arsenal should Edu's reported £80million transfer plan come to fruition.

The Norway captain was signed by Mikel Arteta and co. in the summer transfer window after he impressed while on loan from La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Arsenal splashed out £30million on Odegaard, who was expected to be one of the first names on Arteta's teamsheet.

But a change in formation and the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe has seen Odegaard cast aside at the Emirates.

He recently spoke out about his predicament, admitting he hasn't played as much football as he would have liked but is trying to remain positive.

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"I was out of the team and those who entered did well," said Odegaard. "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."

Edu is constantly looking at ways to improve Arsenal, who have turned a corner in recent weeks and have climbed to fifth in the Premier League table.

And one man who has been linked with a surprise move to Arsenal is Raheem Sterling.

The England international has been struggling for regular game time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City this season and admitted he may have to leave to secure more minutes.

Talking at an FT Live event, Sterling said: "If there was the opportunity to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it. As I said, football is the most important thing to me. Challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well.

"As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I've always thought you know maybe one day I'd love to play abroad. See how I would come up against that challenge.

"I'm not a person that's going to complain. I've not tried to make it a bigger deal than it actually is. I get on with my work. Do what I need to do. And I'm just raring to go. Playing football matches regularly. Score goals regularly."

Should Arsenal sign Sterling then he will undoubtedly walk into the first team at the Emirates.

And this would create an awkward situation for Odegaard as the wide position in Arteta's team will no longer be up for grabs.

Instead, he'll have to compete for the central attacking midfield position in the Gunners team, and currently, Smith Rowe has this area of the park sown up.