Martin Odegaard has taken another step towards his proposed move to Arsenal, with his agent reportedly flying to London today in order to work out a deal with the Gunners. The Norwegian spent the second-half of last season on loan in north London, clearly tempting Mikel Arteta into securing another season of his services.
Odegaard has never nailed down a regular starting spot in Madrid (Image: GETTY)
According to the Sunday Mirror, negotiations will focus on a season-long loan before being given first refusal on a £30million permanent signing next summer.
The Gunners are also expected to pay all of his wages as part of the deal.
Odegaard’s Madrid future has been shrouded in doubt over the past few weeks, with Carlo Ancelotti initially claiming that he wanted to keep hold of the youngster.
However, having been left without a shirt number or a place in the squad for Madrid’s opener against Alaves, the writing could now be on the wall.
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The curious aspect to this deal now rests on the fact that attacking midfield was actually one of Arsenal’s very few bright sparks during the Brentford clash.
Emile Smith-Rowe, fresh off the back of being given the prestigious No 10 jersey, put on a dazzling display, even though it could not translate into Premier League points for his side.
The more pressing element for transfer chief Edu to tackle in the market looked to be at the back.
Naturally, that will not be welcome news for the Gunners hierarchy, given they splashed £50m on England international Ben White not long ago.
Smith-Rowe put in an impressive performance against Brentford (Image: GETTY)
Brentford’s Ivan Toney dominated the 23-year-old physically, and Arsenal as a unit looked weak when the Bees’ press spurred into action.
Still, squad depth is important for the Gunners to build on, and numbers in attacking midfield are still somewhat short.
With Odegaard seemingly on his way to the Emirates, a healthy battle between himself and Smith-Rowe could ensue to decide who gets the regular starting berth.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will soon return to the pitch in an effort to put Arsenal back on the right track, but the need for further reinforcements has been thrust into the limelight after a disappointing opening-night display.