Martin Odegaard has declared that Arsenal's ambition extends beyond merely winning the Premier League again, stating the squad craves multiple trophies this season. The midfielder, who scored and earned man of the match in Arsenal's 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, emphasized the team's hunger for further success.
"We wanted to show our level," Odegaard said. "Of course, last year we won the league. But this year we want more. There is a lot more to play for. We want to do it again in the league and then there are the other trophies. There is a lot to work for and still a lot of room for improvement."
The Norwegian also expressed confidence in new signing Bruno Guimaraes, the £75 million arrival from Newcastle. Guimaraes made his first start for Arsenal in the Community Shield match, showing immediate impact before being substituted at halftime. Odegaard noted a natural chemistry between them, despite their past on-field rivalries when Guimaraes played for Newcastle.
"It was really good, really natural," Odegaard commented on playing alongside Guimaraes. "Since the first day he came in, it has been such a natural thing. Although we had some big fights with him in the past, he has just come into the team as a real natural part of the team. And you can see his quality. He can win the ball, he's a fighter, but he also has so much quality on the ball. He has that, what can I say… he is so calm on the ball. He always takes the right amount of time and he finds the pass. From the first second he is in training you can feel that presence and quality. He is a brilliant player. I am looking forward to it."
Arsenal is set to begin their Premier League campaign against Coventry on Friday.