Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard has warned the club's rivals that retaining the Premier League title is not enough this season, targeting a Double or Treble after their 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The Norwegian midfielder starred in the Gunners' dominating display, scoring a goal and earning the man of the match award against City. The annual season opener brings together the previous season's Premier League champions and major domestic trophy winners before the league campaign begins.
Having won the league title last year, Odegaard declared that Arsenal are desperate to secure multiple trophies across all competitions in the upcoming campaign.
"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."
Aspirations for multiple trophies
Arsenal begin their new Premier League campaign on Friday, when they host Coventry in their opening league fixture of the season.
Odegaard was also full of praise for new teammate Bruno Guimaraes following the Brazilian midfielder's first start for Arsenal since completing a £75million move from Newcastle United.
Guimaraes slotted into the midfield with intent, charging around the pitch and looking for attacking passes before being substituted at half-time with an ice pack.
Impact of new signing
Despite intense clashes between the two players when Guimaraes played for Newcastle, known as the Toon, Odegaard noted an immediate natural chemistry on the pitch.
"It was really good, really natural," Odegaard added. "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."
Odegaard highlighted the dynamic qualities that the £75million signing brings to Arsenal's squad, pointing to both his defensive work rate and his composure under pressure.
"And you can see his quality," Odegaard said. "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."
The Arsenal talisman added that Guimaraes had already made a strong impression during training sessions following his high-profile move.
"From the first second he is in training you can feel that presence and quality," Odegaard said. "He is a brilliant player. I am looking forward to it."
