Arsenal have reportedly restarted negotiations with Real Madrid as they look to secure the permanent signing of playmaker Martin Odegaard.
According to an exclusive report from 90 min, Arsenal have re-entered into talks with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid for the transfer of Norwegian international midfielder Martin Odegaard in the ongoing window.
Odegaard, 22, has been with Real Madrid for over six years now, having arrived in 2015 as a teenage prodigy from Stromsgodset. Having spent the early parts of his stint with the Castilla outfit, the prodigious midfielder had several loan spells away from the Spanish capital where he made a solid impression.
Following his fine showing for Real Sociedad in 2019/20, Real Madrid decide to hold on to him for the 2020/21 campaign, but game-time was hard to come under then-manager Zinedine Zidane, due to which Odegaard signed for Arsenal on loan during the winter transfer window.
Upon arriving in north London, the 22-year-old quickly integrated himself into the side at the Emirates Stadium and had a largely solid loan stint, finishing with two goals and two assists each in 20 games. Back at Real Madrid, Arsenal have flirted with the idea of re-signing him on a permanent basis for a while now, but there has been little progress made.
In the meantime, it looked like Arsenal had turned their focus towards James Maddison of Leicester City. But the Foxes’ stance on the 24-year-old midfielder as well as Odegaard’s situation in the Spanish capital has led to the Gunners reopening talks with Real Madrid for the Norwegian.
Indeed, while it looked set that Odegaard would be staying with the La Liga giants, the player’s camp remain unconvinced over the amount of playing time he will get under new manager Carlo Ancelotti. As a result, the 22-year-old playmaker is once again assessing his options before the transfer window closes and would be open to a return to the Emirates.
Despite having tied Emile Smith Rowe down to a new long-term contract, the north London giants could still use with another creative midfielder within the ranks considering how poor they were with regard to chance-creation during the first half of the 2020/21 season. Odegaard, to that end, would be a top signing for Arsenal, considering his familiarity to the team and the system.
With the channel of communication with Real Madrid back open again, it now remains to be seen if Arsenal are successful in their bid to land the 22-year-old Norwegian international.
