Martin Odegaard has confirmed that he will be staying at Real Madrid next season, putting an end to Arsenal's hopes of luring him back to the Emirates this summer. Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan midway through last season and he impressed, with manager Mikel Arteta admitting that he would like to bring the midfielder back.
Martin Odegaard confirms where he will play next season amid Arsenal return links (Image: GETTY)
"We've tried to make everything that we could to get Martin performing for the team, which I think he's done, and he has adapted really well to our way of playing and to our football club.
"Hopefully we have given him the hope and the feeling that this could be a good place for him."
Odegaard had struggled for game time under Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, prompting his initial loan move to Arsenal.
However, Zidane has since left the Bernabeu and been replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, who gave him his Madrid debut back in 2015.
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Martin Odegaard confirms where he will play next season amid Arsenal return links (Image: EXPRESS)
"I have been in the club for over six years now, and that has always been the goal.
"I always want to play, I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important."
When asked if he had spoken with Ancelotti yet, Odegaard added: "No, not with him personally, but I have spoken a lot with the club and had a close contact.