Odegaard and Madrid ‘not even contemplating’ move to Arsenal

Will Ford
Martin Odegaard Arsenal
Martin Odegaard Arsenal

Arsenal look set to be disappointed this summer with Real Madrid ‘not even contemplating’ allowing Martin Odegaard to leave on a permanent deal.

The Norwegian has drawn plenty of praise since his loan move to the Emirates in January, with the Gunners reportedly keen to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

But Marca claim Madrid are ‘not even contemplating’ his sale and Odegaard himself is still determined to succeed with the La Liga giants.


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The playmaker does however want clarity over the managerial situation at Madrid with question marks over the future of Zinedine Zidane.

Odegaard has struggled to earn the trust of Zidane and wants to know whether the Frenchman will still be in charge come next season and if he is, how big a role he will be play in the side going forward.

For now, Odegaard is enjoying the game time under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and is desperate to end the season on a high.

Arteta’s side are still in contention to win the Europa League which would grant them access to the Champions League next season – a potentially big draw for players of Odegaard’s ilk this summer.

Arteta has frequently hailed the impact of the 22-year-old loanee this season and waxed lyrical following his display in the dramatic 3-3 draw against West Ham last time out.

“I think he had an incredible performance,” said Arteta. “I think he was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game and again he showed how much he wanted to win.

“When everyone was a little trembling he gave us that stability and that composure on the ball and he created chance after chance.

“He’s been showing that, I think, from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

“I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”