Norwegian playmaker Martin Odegaard is reportedly set to complete his switch to Arsenal, this time leaving Real Madrid on a permanent basis.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Martin Odegaard is set to return to the Emirates before the summer transfer window slams shut. This time around, the Norwegian playmaker will be leaving Real Madrid on a permanent basis, penning a five-year deal with Arsenal in the process.
Martin Odegaard joined Real Madrid from Stromgodset as a prodigious 16-year-old in January 2015, with many regarding him as one for the future for the Spanish giants. However, six and a half years have since passed and Odegaard has only managed 11 appearances for the Merengues.
That is despite impressing whenever sent out on loan by Real Madrid, with the spells at Arsenal and Real Sociedad, in particular, standing out. And upon returning to the Spanish capital at the end of his stint with the Gunners, it was initially speculated that the 22-year-old playmaker will not be returning to Arsenal and would fight for his place in the Real Madrid first-team setup.
However, the onset of the 2021/22 season has been utterly forgettable for Odegaard, who has been deemed to be surplus to requirements by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. This has come as a huge boost for Arsenal and their hopes of landing the Norwegian international, who has been seen as a priority all summer long, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Martin Ødegaard has always been Arsenal priority… and now the deal is set to be completed, confirmed! Talks at final stages and here-we-go soon! ⚪️? #AFC
Ødegaard will re-join Arsenal on permanent deal. Fee to be decided in the next hours. Contract until June 2026. ??? pic.twitter.com/bq6ucdxI1N
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2021
Indeed, Arsenal have been reported to be readying an offer to sign Odegaard in the last few days as well. And now, it looks like they might have finally broken through to Real Madrid, with talks at an advanced stage, according to Romano.
While a transfer fee has not been mentioned, it has been suggested that the final sum will be agreed upon soon enough. Furthermore, a few details of Odegaard’s new contract with Arsenal have also come to light, with the Gunners set hand the Real Madrid playmaker a five-year contract.
So, it now appears to be certain that Odegaard will be rejoining Arsenal before the summer transfer window slams shut, and this time on a permanent deal. What now remains to be seen is if the north Londoners can reach an agreement with Real Madrid quickly enough to get him onboard for their game this weekend against Chelsea.
