It has been a long, painful and challenging journey over the last few years but this season has finally appeared to show the light at the end of the tunnel for Arsenal fans.
The task that was set out in front of Mikel Arteta in 2019 was monumental, we could all see that. He was walking into a divided dressing room lacking spirit and belief, so whatever he was planning was never going to transform the club overnight.
However, the most important thing is that we are sitting here now while talking about how bright the future looks. The past several months have seen a complete squad rebuild take place, structural changes made at board level and new recruitment strategies implemented.
Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League and pushing for Champions League qualification after a five-year absence from the competition, the current set of Arsenal players are showing that the belief has never been stronger.
One individual at the forefront of this exciting and talented group is Martin Odegaard. Signed permanently from Real Madrid last summer, the 23-year-old's exceptional quality and exemplary leadership have led to him becoming a real fan favourite this season.
Joining Los Blancos aged just 16, Odegaard has played under the guidance of managers and players who are viewed as some of the best in the game, meaning his praise for Arsenal shows just how positive the signs must be behind the scenes at London Colney.
Following another man-of-the-match display during the Gunners' win over Leicester yesterday, reporter Arilas Ould-Saada asked the fellow Norwegian about the harmony of the team and his response gave even more reason to be excited for what's to come.
"I have never experienced anything like it," he said.
"There is clearly something special going on here now. You feel it in the whole club. We are building something special. It’s a group of players who like each other, and who enjoy playing football together."
After Arteta previously revealed that 'some people inside' the club who are no longer present tried to 'hurt' the team, this is certainly music to the ears of the Gunners fanbase.
Additionally, it is the exact message that the Spaniard and technical director Edu will want out in the open ahead of another potentially busy transfer window.
football.london understands that Arteta and Edu are planning a significant outlay in the summer, backed by owner Stan Kroenke. Two forwards, a central midfielder and backup right-back are understood to be on the club's close-season agenda.
With lots to get done, Odegaard's positive outlook on life as an Arsenal player can hopefully make an already powerful pull even stronger for the club.
All indications point towards the Emirates continuing to be an exciting and healthy place to be even if a top-four finish isn't secured.
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