Real to ‘exploit’ Arsenal by offering Odegaard in swap deal for starlet

Jason Soutar
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard

Real Madrid are considering offering Martin Odegaard to Arsenal in exchange for Emile Smith Rowe, according to reports.

The Mail have suggested that Real could try and ‘exploit’ the Gunners with a swap deal involving Smith Rowe and Odegaard, who has recently returned to the Spanish giants following a loan spell at the Emirates.

It has been widely reported that Arsenal are looking to permanently sign Odegaard after his loan, but the Norweigian’s availability and asking price are both up for debate.


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It has been rumoured that Real could want up to £50million for the playmaker.

Smith Rowe has two years left on his current contract and is close to signing a new deal after a breakthrough season at the north London club, making 33 appearances in all competitions.

The 20-year-old has also attracted interest from Aston Villa, who had a £25m bid instantly rejected for the attacking midfielder.

Villa have already beaten the Gunners to the signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich City this summer, and are clearly still looking to bolster their midfield options.

Arsenal are in for a busy summer, with many players being linked with a move away from the club as Arteta looks set to overhaul the squad after a disappointing 2020-21 campaign.

The Gunners have also been linked with Leicester City midfielder James Maddison and could make a move for the 24-year-old if they are unable to land Odegaard.

Maddison made 31 appearances for Leicester in the league last season, scoring eight goals and registering five assists.

According to reliable football.london journalist Chris Wheatley the Gunners have identified Maddison as a target, but the fee Leicester are likely to demand could be an issue.

Maddison is a homegrown player, which is likely to add more money on to Leicester’s valuation of the midfielder.

Maddison also recently signed a long term contract with FA Cup winners until June 2024 believed to be worth around £95,000 per week.

Chelsea are also interested in Maddison as they look to build on their Champions League success by strengthening their squad ahead of a Premier League title challenge.

The Blues would be interested in the playmaker if Hakim Ziyech was to leave Stamford Bridge who has been linked with a move to Italy with both Napoli and AC Milan said to be interested.