Martin Ødegaard has emerged in a surprising new transfer story, with reports suggesting the Arsenal captain is open to joining Bayern Munich. The claim adds an awkward twist for Mikel Arteta, especially given the timing and the player’s importance to the club’s current direction.

Previous links between Ødegaard and Bayern have been treated as speculative, but this round of reporting is said to carry “new momentum” after Sky Germany indicated that the midfielder may be willing to move to Bavaria. Arsenal are believed to want to secure fresh terms for the 27-year-old, yet the club is already dealing with Declan Rice’s lucrative renewal.

Bayern, notably, are not said to be pushing aggressively for the move. Instead, the German side are reportedly prepared to wait while Ødegaard’s contract situation remains unresolved. With less than two years left on his current deal, the uncertainty is enough to create concern around one of Arsenal’s most influential figures.

For Arteta, the issue goes beyond one contract. He has repeatedly spoken about building a club that can challenge at the very top, and his ambition has been clear. “It’s certainly the ambition of the club and the owners to be the best club in the world,” Arteta declared ahead of the current campaign. He also said he wants “the best facilities, the best stadium, the best supporters” and “the best players in the world.”

That is why the possibility of losing Ødegaard would cut so deeply. Arsenal’s captain is viewed as a central part of the manager’s project, a trusted lieutenant whose influence is felt across the pitch. Gabriel provides the defensive base, Rice drives the midfield and Bukayo Saka carries the star billing, but Ødegaard remains the player who best reflects Arteta’s ideas.

He is fundamental to Arsenal’s work in possession and without it, and his growing output in front of goal has only strengthened his standing. He is also a key presser, making his value to the team even greater. Any hint that he could leave would challenge the image of a side still moving upward.

Bayern Munich against Arsenal stands as the marquee match of Wednesday’s Champions League programme, and it is easy to see why. Between them, the two clubs offer a remarkable spread of talent, even if injuries and suspensions trim the field of available stars.

With that in mind, here is a fresh look at a combined XI drawn only from the players available for selection, and Arsenal just about come out on top.

In goal, David Raya earns the nod. Manuel Neuer has been carrying a foot injury and remains doubtful, but even if he were fully fit, Raya’s recent level has been enough to place him in most mixed teams. Neuer remains the classic stopper, exceptional at the one job he is there to do, but Raya’s consistency gives Arsenal the edge.

At right-back, Jurrien Timber gets the call ahead of Konrad Laimer. Timber has established himself as one of the game’s top full-backs, and he arrives with the confidence of an assist against Lille in this competition last time out.

Gabriel is an automatic inclusion at centre-back. Arsenal’s defensive structure has been built around him, and he continues to deliver the blend of power, athleticism and technique that makes him such a difficult opponent. Alongside him, Dayot Upamecano is elevated by Vincent Kompany’s influence, with his form now strong enough to place him in the conversation at the very highest level.

On the left, Riccardo Calafiori edges Alphonso Davies. Calafiori’s game has opened up this season, and he is now contributing at both ends rather than only defending.

Joshua Kimmich anchors the midfield with his usual control, while Declan Rice is included after his standout display when these sides met last season, helping Arsenal to a 3-1 win. Aleksandar Pavlović completes the engine room after quietly becoming a major figure in Bayern’s possession game.

Bukayo Saka takes the wing spot, while Michael Olise would have been a strong contender but is suspended. In attack, Harry Kane is the obvious choice. He remains the best striker in the world and has nine goals in 10 games this season, a total that would satisfy most forwards, even if it sits a little below his own standards.

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has praised Florian Wirtz while making clear that the club are not planning a move for the Liverpool midfielder.

Wirtz’s early months in England have not matched the standards he set before arriving at Anfield, and that has drawn criticism from both supporters and rivals. Manager Andoni Iraola has also had to deal with pressure from calls to leave the German international out of the starting line-up.

Even with speculation around a possible switch back to Bayern, Hainer chose to shut down the idea. He described Wirtz as a top player, but stressed that Bayern are satisfied with their current squad and do not see the 23-year-old as a target.

“First of all, I think Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player, there’s absolutely no question about that,” Hainer said.

“I almost feel a little sorry for him that he hasn’t yet reached the same form in England that he had at Leverkusen, because we also need him for the German national team.

“[Bayern] have such a top-class squad, we’re incredibly happy at the moment, and therefore [a transfer] not an issue for us.”

Liverpool have had to wait for Wirtz to rediscover the level he showed at Leverkusen, where he finished his final season with 16 goals and 15 assists. He has not come close to those numbers in his 18 months at Anfield.

The expectations have been sharpened by the $158 million fee attached to his move. Liverpool believed they were signing one of Europe’s leading attackers, while Bayern were left disappointed after missing out on his signature. Hainer’s comments now underline how much his stock has shifted in little more than a year and a half.