Arsenal are considering loaning Kobbie Mainoo from Man Utd in January.

Arsenal are reportedly considering Kobbie Mainoo as a short-term creative option should Martin Odegaard remain absent. According to ESPN, this is a backup plan for the winter transfer window and unlikely to happen, but it reflects the Emirates Stadium side's caution given their captain's prolonged injury situation.

Odegaard's absence and Arsenal's urgent need for him.

Since the start of the season, Martin Odegaard has only played four Premier League matches. This has forced manager Mikel Arteta to adapt in the number 10 role, from using Declan Rice to giving opportunities to young talent Ethan Nwaneri; while also considering options for the creative position such as Eberechi Eze. To reduce risk during the upcoming busy schedule, Arsenal have expanded their backup list and Mainoo has emerged as a short-term option.

Why Mainoo?

Kobbie Mainoo (born in 2005) is going through a difficult time at Old Trafford. Under Ruben Amorim, the 20-year-old midfielder has only played 171 minutes in the Premier League and has yet to start a single game, with Bruno Fernandes being preferred in the playmaker role. This lack of opportunities has attracted attention from several big clubs, including Tottenham, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Napoli.

ESPN describes Mainoo as a short-term addition, only to be activated if Odegaard remains sidelined. Journalist Mark Ogden commented: “I don’t think he’ll go to Arsenal, but I think he’s a player Arsenal might consider if they close out the transfer window and need a backup option for Martin Odegaard.”

Man Utd's stance and January transfer window

From Manchester United's perspective, the situation is more complicated. While Mainoo wants more playing time and is willing to leave on loan, the club is unwilling to let him leave Old Trafford unless they find a replacement. Fraser Fletcher previously reported that "Man Utd have no intention of approving a move to a direct rival," given Arsenal's title race. This makes a loan scenario in January difficult.

If the transfer window approaches its deadline and Arsenal still haven't received positive news regarding Odegaard's situation, a last-minute loan move could certainly be considered. However, the "direct rival" factor could be the biggest obstacle.

Tactical and risk-appropriate

From a professional standpoint, Mainoo is a short-term "patchwork" replacement for the number 10 role. He played very well with Declan Rice at Euro 2024, suggesting a midfield partnership that could help Arsenal maintain control and support pressing. However, the greatest value Arsenal expects from Mainoo is his immediate availability, rather than a long-term contract.

The risk lies in Mainoo's limited playing time this season and the pressure of competing for a starting spot in a championship contender. Therefore, this is seen as a stopgap solution, fitting ESPN's description of a "short-term addition."

Arsenal's squad picture and the next scenario.

Arsenal wouldn't consider Mainoo a priority if Odegaard returns on schedule. In that case, manager Mikel Arteta could rotate his squad depending on his formation, using options already considered such as Declan Rice, Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, and Ethan Nwaneri. Conversely, if the Norwegian captain remains absent, Mainoo emerges as the most suitable option in terms of link-up play, especially in relation to Rice.

Overall, the chances of a deal happening in January are not high. But the fact that Mainoo's name appears on the list of players under consideration suggests Arsenal are preparing for the worst-case scenario with Odegaard – and opens up a noteworthy transfer saga in early 2026.

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