Martin Odegaard has praised Arsenal’s £109million summer double act after Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis made an immediate impact in the Community Shield demolition of Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side began competitive action with a dominant 3-0 victory in Cardiff, with Tzolis supplying two assists and Guimaraes impressing during his first-half appearance. Arsenal captain Odegaard believes both players have already settled quickly into the Premier League champions’ structure.
Tzolis played a decisive role in Arsenal’s second goal, setting up Kai Havertz before later creating Odegaard’s strike shortly after half-time.
The Greece international cost Arsenal around £34m from Club Brugge, while Guimaraes arrived from Newcastle for £75m earlier this summer.
Odegaard impressed by Arsenal’s £109m duo
Odegaard has been particularly encouraged by how quickly the two newcomers have adapted.
The Norwegian praised Guimaraes’ calmness and quality in possession, while also pointing to the attacking threat Tzolis has already brought to Arteta’s side.
That was evident against City.
Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory offered the first competitive indication that the champions have strengthened without disrupting the structure which delivered last season’s Premier League title.
Guimaraes provided control alongside Odegaard before Declan Rice replaced him at the break, while Tzolis continually threatened from the left.
For Arteta, that could be the most encouraging part of Arsenal’s summer recruitment.
New signings often require time to understand the demands of a new system. Guimaraes already possesses extensive Premier League experience, while Tzolis has produced an immediate attacking return after coming back to English football.
Odegaard believes Arsenal are now capable of challenging across several competitions as they prepare to begin their title defence against Coventry City on Friday.
The Community Shield remains only one game.
But after spending £109m on two players designed to improve an already title-winning squad, Arsenal have received an encouraging early indication that neither intends to need much time to settle.
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