Arteta apologises to Arsenal fans after defeat at Brentford
Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of Martin Odegaard in a £34m deal from Real Madrid. The Norwegian midfielder joins on a long-term contract and is Mikel Arteta's fourth summer signing after Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ben White.
Martin Odegaard has rejoined Arsenal. (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal have paid an initial £30m fee plus bonuses worth around £4m to lure Odegaard away from the La Liga giants.
Despite the confirmation of his arrival, he is unlikely to make his second debut in Sunday's clash against Chelsea in front of a packed Emirates Stadium.
Odegaard's Visa application process is ongoing, which means the Gunners won't be able to register him with the Premier League in time.
However, he could start against Manchester City next week, if not in the EFL Cup against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.
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With the £30m arrival of Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also due for completion this week, Arsenal are the Premier League's top spenders this summer.
Arteta has spent around £130m on five signings as he looks to guide Arsenal back into Europe.
Manchester United are second after spending £114m on Raphael Varane (£41m) and Jadon Sancho (£73m).
The Red Devils are closely followed by Premier League champions Manchester City, who have spent £100m.
Arsenal will hope Odegaard helps them to silverware. (Image: EXPRESS)
Of course, Pep Guardiola spent all of that money to bring Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish to the club on a British record transfer.
Odegaard undoubtedly boosts Arteta's attacking options and provides healthy competition for the Gunners' new number 10, Emile Smith Rowe.
He is a signing the club will hope to bolster the squad now and for the future, given he turns 23 in December.
Excitement will now grow ahead of his first appearance as a permanent Arsenal player, with the Gunners hoping to enter the win column for the first time since the Premier League's restart.