Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard, with news of the deal reporting that Los Blancos will install a ‘first-refusal’ clause on the Norweigan midfielder.
The 22-year-old who made 14 appearances during a four month loan at the North London club last season, is due to complete the move in the coming days with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his side’s creative armour.
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| Ødergaard playing for Real Madrid in 2020 |
The clause means that all could not be lost on Odegaard’s dream of starring for Real Madrid, and the player will move permanently to The Emirates Stadium knowing if he sets the world al light, the doors to the Bernabau may open up once more.
Should he be a success in the Premier League and look to move on, Real Madrid will have the first say on whether they want to sign him back for their squad.
The £34m fee Arsenal are stumping up shows faith in the player however, which he will want to repay and build on. Odegaard scored one goal during his first spell at The Gunners and contributed two assists.
Arteta has already spent £50m on Ben White from Brighton this summer and is pushing for a move for £30m rated Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Martin Ødegaard will sign his contract as new Arsenal player today. The agreement will be until June 2026 [option included] – Real Madrid are also preparing their official statement 🔴 #AFC
Aaron Ramsdale deal between Arsenal and Sheffield Utd will be also completed ‘very soon’.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2021
It was reported that the club’s main target, James Maddison, was unavailable to sign from Leicester City which has led Arteta to now turn his focus to Odegaard with just weeks of the transfer window remaining. Carlo Ancelotti, installed as Real Madrid’s manager for the second time this summer after his shock Everton exit, ran the rule over Odegaard during pre-season before making the decision to allow the player to depart.
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| Odergaard during his loan spell at Arsenal last term. |
Odegaard will feel instant pressure to deliver from Arsenal supporters following the opening day defeat away to Brentford. If the move is completed in the coming days, he could have a chance of featuring in this weekend’s London derby with Chelsea.
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