Arsenal will have to pay €80 million if they are to secure the services of Martin Odegaard, who is not in Zinedine Zidane’s good books.
A recent report from Defensa Central has shed some light on Martin Odegaard. The Real Madrid playmaker doesn’t share a great relationship with the board, particularly due to his decision to join Arsenal on loan, during the January transfer window. Although the club did grant his wish, Zidane had favoured him to remain in the Spanish capital.
Nevertheless, Odegaard is set to return to Santiago Bernabeu after the end of the season. He will be welcomed with open arms by Real Madrid, but the playmaker still needs to prove himself to Zidane in order to become a first-team regular at the club. As for Arsenal, they may have to fork out an extravagant €80 million if they are to secure his services permanently.
The 22-year-old had made only seven appearances in Laliga prior to his move to Emirates in January. While the Norwegian certainly didn’t enjoy a quick start to his life in north London, he is finally starting to become a crucial component in Mikel Arteta’s offensive department.
Indeed, Odegaard has played a crucial role in the Arsenal attack in recent matches. Operating in his favoured number ten role, the Real Madrid star has offered a lot of creativity to the table for the Gunners. His link-up play with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been impressive as well, particularly in the win over Leeds United.
That said, Arsenal are unlikely to be able to crop up €80 million for Odegaard this summer. Although they have balanced their budget by offloading a host of fringe players in January, including Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis, Mikel Arteta needs to be wise with his business in the market as the Gunners look to avoid making another gamble as they did with Nicolas Pepe.
Real Madrid, too, have struggled financially in the aftermath of a pandemic that has affected tourism, as well as the TV revenue. As a result, the Spanish champions are banking on their current crop of players, including Odegaard, to get them over the line next season, although it won’t be surprising to see them sign at least Galactico this summer. They are, after all, one of the contenders to sign Erling Haaland.