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| Martin Odegaard impressed on loan at Real Sociedad during the 2019/20 campaign (Image: Photo by Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) |
Martin Odegaard Decision on Arsenal transfer with Real Madrid decision Pending
Arsenal have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid.
Martin Odegaard
One of the brightest and most talented prospects around, who has already shone in Europe. He is the youngest player in history to appear in a European Championship qualifying match and the earliest ever debutant for the senior Norway team.
He caught the eye during his spell with the Basque outfit last season, which saw him remain in Zidane’s squad for the current campaign – but a return could now be on the cards.
- On 27th August 2014 he became the youngest ever player to play for Norway at senior level, at 15 years and 253 days.
- Youngest footballer ever to play in the Norwegian top flight.
- Youngest ever player to feature for Real Madrid after coming on as a substitute,16 years and 157 days old.
Martin Odegaard stance on Arsenal transfer with Real Madrid decision imminent:
Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid.
However, the Gunners face fierce competition to get a deal over the line and the latest developments do not appear to be promising.
Martin Ødegaard Choice
Leicester City Interest
Leicester was interested in the possibility of a loan deal for the Norway international when it first became clear that Madrid was prepared to let him leave – but after preliminary discussions, they decided not to pursue him.
Martin Ødegaard is the son of Hans Erik Ödegaard (Manager Sandefjord Fotball).
Odegaard Under Zinedine Zidane
Arteta & Arsenal on Odegaard
“Arteta was not giving too much away in his press conference as far as Martin Odegaard was concerned.
“What do we know? Arsenal have made two enquiries for Odegaard, Real Madrid are considering the proposal amongst other proposals from other clubs like Sevilla, Ajax and clubs in Germany.
“One of those other clubs is Real Sociedad and some suggest Sociedad could be Odegaard’s preferred option. He was on loan there last season, starting 29 La Liga games.
“He was then surprisingly recalled a year early from that loan, but has only started three games for Real so far this season, so clearly things are not right behind the scenes.
“And with that in mind, the relationship between Odegaard and Zidane is said to be strained, so it is expected he will be allowed to leave on loan.
“But to Sociedad, Arsenal, or somewhere else? Things in Arsenal’s favour are their good relations with Real, having taken Dani Ceballos for a second season on loan, while Madrid may not want to strengthen a rival in La Liga.”
What would one-time wonderkid Odegaard bring to the Premier League?
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:
The attention of the footballing world was centred on him in 2015 when, a month after his 16th birthday, Real Madrid won the race for his signature – and the interest in the now 22-year-old will ignite again if he comes to these shores.
Already a Norway international when he joined Real, Odegaard – who had drawn excitable comparisons with Lionel Messi – immediately began training with the first team and became the club’s youngest-ever player in the final game of that season.
Back then, the anticipation of what Odegaard would become at the Bernabeu knew no bounds – but his progress, perhaps disappointingly for some, has been quieter since, as the gradual progression of a midfield technician has taken shape.
Patience is paying off now, though. After an underwhelming 18-month loan spell at Heerenveen, Odegaard had a standout season at Vitesse in 2018/19, creating more chances than any other player in the Netherlands’ top flight, and finishing third in the assists charts to Dusan Tadic and Hakim Ziyech.
He backed it up with an impressive season at Real Sociedad last year, when he hit double figures for goal contributions, and was recalled to Real Madrid as a result.
While a way into Zinedine Zidane’s line-up has ultimately been hard to find, Premier League clubs are now pursuing a classy creator, a pass master, and an attacking midfielder with a fine touch and bright awareness of the game.
Odegaard – if he does come to England – will bring excitement on the pitch as well as off it.