Transfer update: Latest on Odegaard, Lingard and Rose
Arsenal don’t have an option to buy Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard at the end of the season, according to reports. The Norway international is close to joining the Gunners on loan. But it appears as though the chances of him staying at the Emirates Stadium beyond the end of the campaign appear slim.
Arsenal recently cut Mesut Ozil loose, with the Germany international leaving north London to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
They’ve seen Emile Smith Rowe rise to the fore in the time since, with the youngster helping the Gunners climb up the Premier League table.
But, despite that, Arsenal want more.
Mikel Arteta knows he can’t rely on the young playmaker to provide goals and assists just yet - and wants Odegaard to act as a stopgap until the end of the campaign.
Spanish outlet El Confidencial say Arsenal will pay the full amount of Odegaard’s wages during his time in the capital.
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And they also claim they’ll pay a loan fee of just £2million to bring the Norway international in.
However, Arsenal won’t have a clause that will allow them to sign Odegaard permanently in the summer transfer window.
That could make a permanent deal difficult to strike, especially if wealthier rivals join the race at the end of the campaign.
But with Odegaard struggling under Zinedine Zidane, it doesn’t seem a stretch to imagine him leaving Madrid for good when the transfer window reopens again.
Arsenal could have an advantage if they do look for a permanent deal, with the Gunners and Madrid having a good relationship when it comes to transfers.
Arsenal hope Martin Odegaard can shine at the Emirates Stadium (Image: GETTY)
“Does that mean Ceballos will go? He’s on loan as well.
“Is he going to get football? Real Madrid may be concerned, he hasn’t played that much so far.”
Ceballos recently talked up Odegaard, with the Spain international saying: "Young players need to play regularly.
"At Real Madrid, I needed to know that I would have equal opportunities. I was obsessed with playing again.
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"I wasn't getting minutes, but I realised it was best to work and reverse the situation and be important [with another club].
"If I do this [go on loan], I'll play again. It couldn't have been any clearer.
"I can tell you what happened to me at Madrid.
“I don't know exactly what will happen with Martin Odegaard, but it is obvious that any player who wants to succeed at Madrid is going to grab the opportunity he has."