According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have made an approach to sign Martin Odegaard. The player is determined to leave Santiago Bernabeu on loan after failing to nail a starting spot in the team. Real Madrid have a strong relationship with Arsenal and are considering their latest offer, but they face stiff competition from Real Sociedad while a host of Premier League clubs have also expressed interest to sign the playmaker.
Martin Odegaard’s Downfall At Real Madrid
Martin Odegaard was destined to make a name for himself this season when he returned to Real Madrid in the summer, following a successful loan spell at Real Sociedad. He had been involved in ten goals in 31 league appearances, becoming one of the rising stars of La Liga last season, with Los Blancos subsequently recalling him back from his loan deal.
However, Odegaard has had a disappointing season at the Bernabeu so far, becoming one of Zinedine Zidane’s many victims. Although a couple of slight niggles have played their part in shifting the progress of the Norwegian, he has simply lacked the trust from the Real Madrid boss. As a result, the playmaker has made a total of just seven league appearances, only three of which have been starts.
Despite the ageing Luka Modric and out of favour Isco, Odegaard has fallen behind the pecking order at Bernabeu. It appears a loan move away from the club this January could be the best option for him once again.
Is Arsenal The Ideal Destination?
Arsenal are looking for a new playmaker this January after offloading Mesut Ozil to Fenerbahce. The German’s relief has now given Mikel Arteta the freedom to undergo a transitional phase in that creative unit, with Emile Smith Rowe already enjoying a stellar campaign so far.
The addition of someone like Odegaard could further strengthen their core. The Real Madrid star already has some experience at the highest level of football and a brilliant range of skillset that would add a new dimension to Arsenal’s creative department. His chance creation and vision, in particular, could be useful for speedy attackers like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli.
However, it is fair to point out that Real Madrid are unlikely to include an option to buy clause, should they allow Odegaard to leave the club on loan. It essentially means that the Gunners will have no score to secure his services in the future, making his potential progression at Emirates almost redundant, as far as the club’s long-term goals are concerned.
Hence, Arteta may want to shift their attention towards more permanent alternatives, including Julian Draxler, whose expiring contract could make him an ideal cut-price replacement for Ozil this January.
